@Life_and_Death If what you said about Canada is true, then I guess it is even more strict than the Netherlands or Switzerland when it comes to assisted suicide, RTD, voluntary euthanasia. Not to rail on Canada so hard, but if given those options, I'd still rather just CTB by my own hand while I have the capacity to do so.
No in Canada mentall illness doesn't qualify. It has to be a terminal illness or you have to be "nearing death". It's horseshit.
It's absolute garbage that young people suffering can't have a peaceful exit and make their own decision.
Yeah, I agree, it's horseshit for sure.
I do wonder, does quadriplegia, ALS, or MS qualify for it? I know it's not necessarily terminal illness, but a chronic condition and quality of life is poor. One of my fears is becoming severely physically disabled that I would have difficulty doing day to day activities and even lack the physical ability to CTB. (
Note: This isn't a jab at people with actual conditions, nor discounting them. If they choose to live despite their predicament, I respect their courage, choice, and perseverance.)
If you explain to a pro-life that you have a tumor in your head that causes pain and suffering all the time and that no medication works against it, then he will tell you how sorry he is and he can accept it if you do want to do ctb.
If you explain to a pro-life that you have psychological problems that cause you pain and suffering all day and that no medication works against it, then he will just laugh at you and
Telling yourself that you are a lazy bum who doesn't want to work.
He doesn't have an easy life either, and yet he lives on.
Pro-life people cannot understand mental health problems. It will therefore take a long time to change the laws that prevent euthanasia in mental illnesses
That is very true. With respect to the first scenario, you do have people (especially the devoutly religious) who will still reject the idea of CTB'ing even for terminal illnesses, oftenly citing "It's not for humans to decide, but God." etc. I had my fair share of run-ins with people like that through the course of my life. Nowadays I don't really argue with them because I know their position and they are not (likely) going change their views.
As for the other scenario, yes that is very true and one other reason, objectively speaking is that because the pro-lifer isn't the person experiencing suffering and since it is harder for someone to objectively measure psychological pain (not visible to the eye), people oftenly dismiss it. I know it's wrong and psychological suffering is just as valid as physical suffering even if it isn't visible to the naked eye. I too, wish for the laws to change with respect to euthanasia for those who are suffering psychologically. One such story is a
special case in the Netherlands (just to name a few), but of course, it is not easy to get approval for it.
My take on this is that you are the sole entity in ownership of your own body. I don't remember anyone asking me whether I wish to have been born, so it's only logical I shouldn't have to ask anybody for a permission to die.
I think assisted suicide should be a legal option for everyone as it would satisfy the following:
a) provide a humane way to end your life
b) limit trauma to people who interact with suicidal people on regular basis (train drivers for instance)
c) validate that mental suffering can be just as bad as physical anguish
As for euthanasia (someone administering a lethal drug on your behalf), I feel that's a more controversial topic that should be open for more discussion as there is a huge potential for misuse (for example with elderly patients).
Well said and I agree with your claim. I never chose to be alive, to exist, to be, thus I shouldn't need permission to go.
