According To Hemlock Society Euthanasia Is Humane For Humans

By Ruthie Calderon


In 1980 an organization promoting the right-to-die for people with a terminal illness was founded. Currently called Compassion And Choices, it does not believe people should suffer. Rather, it promotes the goals of the hemlock society euthanasia being a peaceful death.

We as a society do not allow our beloved pets to suffer a prolonged illness if there is no hope for recovery. When a dog or cat is in pain due to old age or disease, they are assisted in having a peaceful ending to their lives. For some time many see physician-assisted suicide as a gentle way for humans to pass on.

The palliative care provided by hospice is excellent. However, it cannot obliterate all painful suffering. It is an unspoken understanding between many physicians and the families of those facing the end of life, that a slight increase in the morphine drip will not be a bad thing. An extra day or two of suffering can be avoided.

Medically assisted dying is considered an improvement in care. Oregons Dying with Dignity is now accepted as legal. There may be some who, for religious or personal reasons, do not want to end their life any sooner than necessary. Of course, none of those people should be coerced into accepting assisted death. On the other hand, no patient begging to end his pain, should be refused a compassionate granting of that wish.

If someone is not able to have this type of peaceful death, they may feel the only way is to commit suicide any way they can. It can only add to the grief their family is left with. All good memories will be overshadowed by the ugliness of a violent death. It may be a gunshot or leaping from a high building. How much better it is for it to be a peace method of ending life.

It may be enough to just have the decision placed in the hands of the patient. He will be allowed to have control over his life. After that right is granted, he may not want to use it. It still provides a sense of security.

Lethal injection is one method of euthanasia used to provide an end to life for patients close to the end or those who suffer chronic pain that is not going to be alleviated. Drugs are administered orally, intravenously or intramuscularly. Some critically ill people are unable to swallow and therefore need the intramuscular or intravenous method. The fastest method is introducing three different medications through an IV.

The living will is a document in which the patient gives a close family member or friend the right to make health care decisions on their behalf. It is most often a trusted relative. If someone is kept alive on a respirator, that person who is named in the living will can decide whether or not to turn it off.

Many senior citizens see this as a viable document to give them peace of mind. They can state that they do not want any lifesaving measures taken if, as a result, they will be left in a vegetative state. They can make certain their life-sustaining wishes are carried out to the extent they prefer.

Many prefer the option of palliative care only. This living will assures them of that. When they are too ill to assert their wishes, they will be carried out.




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