Going off the putting down of the pet post and vegetative state post.

Should Euthanasia be legal or illegal? Is it morally wrong? The Google definition of Euthanasia is: “the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. The practice is illegal in most countries.” This is also known as physician assisted suicide (PAS) or a mercy killing. The difference between PAS and Euthanasia is that for PAS the physician prescribes a painless life ending drug that the patient will administer themselves. Euthanasia is when the physician physically administers the drug themself. It is legal in the US in: California (2015), Colorado (2016), DC (2016), Hawaii (2018, into effect Jan 1, 2019), Montana (2009), Oregon (approved 1994, into effect 1997), Vermont (2013), and Washington (2008).

Let’s argue for now on the parameters of the definition, so only physically terminally ill or coma/vegetative state. Also that the patient is of sound mind and is personally requesting a painless death. (Which is what the parameters usually are in places it’s legal.) *Please note this is not the same as turning off life support and letting a person die naturally. This is actively administering or taking a drug to quickly and painlessly cause death.*

Most agreed on the pet post that if nothing can be done to save the pet, putting them out of their suffering is okay. We discussed the other day if family vs doctors should be allowed to end the life of those in a vegetative state. Both of those don’t have the consent of those dying, yet are common practice. Some say any kind of suicide is wrong as you never know if your terminal illness will have a cure found tomorrow. Others say it’s right to allow people “death with dignity” and to ease people’s suffering as we do with animals, if someone wants this choice and is explicitly asking for it why not let them?

If you vote legal would you put any further restrictions on it? For example a minimum age limit or only specific illnesses? Limit on life expectancy (which is what lots of the states have)? Would you ever personally consider it? What would your reaction be if a family member chose this?