Official guidelines for euthanasia study

Alexa · 08-14-2005, 12:01 PM

A new study regarding euthanasia was performed in the Netherlands and the results are interesting.

Quote:

In all, 3,614 doctors responded to the questionnaire. Of this total, 44 percent of all requests were granted. In 13 percent of cases, the patient died before the request could be performed. In another 13 percent of cases, the patient died before a final decision had been made. In yet another 13 percent, the patient withdrew the request. And, in 12 percent of cases, the physician refused to honor the request.

If specific requirements are met, such as: the patient's request is volontary and informed, no alternative treatement is available, the suffering is unbereable for the patient and he/she did not change his/her mind in the last minute, etc. a patient in terminal phase, could benefit of euthanasia in the Netherlands, Belgium and the state of Oregon.

Quote:

"Apparently a large group of physicians is willing and able to follow official requirements (for deciding whether or not to grant a request)," said Bregje D. Onwuteaka-Philipsen, an associate professor of social medicine at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam.

http://healthandfitness.sympatico.msn.ca/News/ContentPosting.aspx?contentid=2a430bf2aa3a44a8bd81 396667355129&show=True&number=5&showbyline=False&s ubtitle=&detect=&abc=abc

Princess Ivy · 08-15-2005, 09:48 AM

yes, this is a tough one. do we suffer, or let outselves go gently into that goodnight. and what of the pople who cannot make an informed choice? such as althimers sufferers? who would rather not live like that before the illness, but now don't even know who they are?

Alexa · 08-15-2005, 11:26 AM

Tough indeed. I saw "Million dollar baby" last night and the girl had chosen to die instead of living like a vegetable all the rest of her life. She just couldn't live like that when she knew the succes of the ring. I'm still under the impression of the movie. I'll comment more about it in DVD releases soon.

I don't think the doctors will take in consideration the request of a person not able to take a decision. At least not right now. They are very severe when they accept a request. And they have to ask the patient even in the last minute if they still want to die. Just to be sure they didn't change their mind.

Princess Ivy · 08-15-2005, 11:27 AM

those requests are often made by family members who cannot stand the suffering.

Alexa · 08-15-2005, 11:33 AM

The most important thing is the patient's suffering and not of family's members.

08-15-2005, 04:05 PM

I think euthanasia is acceptable in the right circumstances.
Of course there are cases where relitives do not want you to end your life or various reasons, religion, sadness etc. I believe it is selfish to watch a loved one suffer, we put down animals who are facing a life of pain without a second thought because we love them. Shouldnt this be the same for people?
I have asked my family if I ever have an accident and was incapable of caring for myself, braindead or had no quality of life to euthanise me as I would not consider my existence 'life' hope you people out there can understand why I would wish this.

Princess Ivy · 08-17-2005, 10:46 AM

for me there is a difference between euthenasia and pulling the plug on life support. one of the things that used to really bother me about my ex was that he told me that he would not respect my wishes in that respect. my wishes are that the only life support i'll accept are food and water. anything else must be switched off, or it's not life.
for euthenasia, i try not to have specific opinion. i'd hate to be in that possition, and i ahve no idea how i'd deal with it if i was.

Alexa · 08-18-2005, 12:18 AM

good for you, you got rid of him