Bag's Rants

To die like a Dog. But, dogs are not allowed to die like that.

A Euthanasia Bill is being debated by the peers.

Now, I feel it is about time we sorted this out. Many people have died in painful ways that would have lead to prosecutions if it had been a dog. Others have relatives who have broken the law to aid in a dignified exit.

The downside is we must ensure that people lives are still protected and that becoming a burden is not an automatic death sentence. We need to make sure that relatives are out of the loop in this process. If the person has expressed a requirement via a living will then it needs to follow an independent process.

My biggest concern is for people, like me, who think they are never going to die. They won't prepare one of these living wills. Then when it hits them and they decide they want to go with dignity they can't. There must be more of that than people who have the foresight to make living wills. They need to be included too.

My view is that there must be certain clearly defined criteria which must be met before euthanasia is considered. Then if the person has expressed a desire then give them the pills. Until then it should be off the table.

Criteria to include;
1) They have no chance of recovery from their condition.
2) They are in pain and suffering on a continual basis.
or
3) They have brain damage that leaves them vegetables.

This must be verified by at least two doctors one of whom is totally independent of the hospital itself and a member of a medical body just for this task.

Not saying it is perfect but we should not just open a route to allow old people to be put down just because they are a burden.

The biggest burden they seem to be is of cost. I really feel for those who have worked hard all their lives and then find they have to pay a fortune, about £2K a week, to stay in an old folk’s home and see their houses being sold to pay for that while those that have not saved a penny are looked after. It seems that it is pointless saving, buying a house or a pension when you can spend, spend, spend and be looked after all your life. What an incentive to take euthanasia and leave something to your family. Unfortunately, some people want their parent’s money more than their parents. It does not bode well for those parents. There must be a better way.

posted by Bag @ 12:47 pm