The right to die

United States
February 21, 2007 9:01pm CST
If someone takes a passive course to die, such as refusing to eat, or refusing lifesaving medical treatment, should they be considered suicidal and have their rights to make medical decisions taken away? Does it make a difference whether their illness is mental or physical?
5 responses
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
22 Feb 07
If someone has a mental issue then they usually can't make rational decisions. If it is physical, that is another story but there could be factors like depression and anxiety to take into consideration. Now, this is where a fine line is seen; circumstances are going to be different for each person. You could have five people dying from cancer and three of them opt to take part in new treatment programs while the other two refuse any help at all. Why would the other two give up hope? Maybe they have been through it before and are tired of going into remission only to have the cancer cells come back. As I said, each person is different and has different values, circumstances and history. If it is clear cut case of mental illness then the hospital or police have to step in. If you have a DNR, Do Not Resuscitate, order in place then the hosiptal has to honor your wishes. There have been only a handful of cases where these have been overturned so generally if you sign one, your wishes will be honored. It's impossible to say one way or the other if it is moral to allow someone to die or take their own life; it's a case by case thing that involves a lot of different variables.
• India
26 Feb 07
Different countries have different rule on it. Most of the countries do not allow a person to die. If a person has to die due to illness he/she should not ask for it, simply take decision at their own. Few publicise it then it becomes difficult. If the pain is so acute which cannot be tolerated and doctors also find unable themselves to cure the diesesed then should be allowed to die peacefully.
@makeaplay (131)
• Ethiopia
22 Feb 07
I'll actually take the p;leasure of taking them out of thir missary.......of killing them selves by not eating or so .... after all they will die with out my help too.
• United States
22 Feb 07
I think, as long as the person is over the legal age, then they have the right to do as they wish. A lot of people have DNR's on their medical records and if they wish for that, then so be it. They have the right to say that if something happens, they don't want help, just let them go if that is what is to happen. If they have an emotional condition, I think they should be evaluated to see what type of state they are in. If they are in a state where rational decisions really can't be made by them, then I think someone has the right to step in.
• Philippines
26 Feb 07
Hello! Please set aside your idea about dying or something! Refusing to eat or undergoing tratment is extremely a bad idea and won't put yourself at peace. I believe there is hope for your health problems. Enzymes! I'll take this up with you in a few days, don't worry, please. I still have some project engagement to finish now. My email address is alex_delfin28@yahoo.com