Quote:
Originally Posted by DrPhil
I use "made" in reference to Richard Marsh because he was unable to express his desire to live. They could have very well turned off the ventilator which some interpret as a family-doctor-consent assisted suicide (some would consider it murder) for which Marsh was unable to consent.
Correct and Marsh believes that people have a right to live or die if they so choose. He wanted to live but he was unable to express his choice either way.
My point is that:
1.) Some people who are opposed to assisted suicide are opposed because they believe in the potential for someone to recover as Marsh did.
2.) There are instances where taking someone off life support is "making them die." People can rationalize and word it however they choose but it is what it is in these instances. If they had turned off Marsh's ventilator before his body was able to recover on its own, that could have "made" him die.
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That is why it is so important to make your wishes known before something happens. I have very specific instructions in my will b/c this is so improtant to me-the way I die. Everyone close to me knows my wishes. I don't want to sit on a ventilator for months to years. I don't want to be a vegetable or even semi lucid, If I cannot be a full functioning human I want to go. If I was in an accident and had to be on a ventilator I have instructions to take me off in 6 months (I initially had 3 months but my friend talked me into 6-if they take me off before then I am ok with that). I have 2 very close friends that are vets and they are listed in my will as medical POA. They know my wishes and will help my family if the need shoudld arise. Having medical knowledge helps a great deal. And I am not talking about "someone"-I am talking about me and what I want.
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