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Only recently a man in Western Australia made news by chosing to refuse food, water and medication as a means of speeding up an inevitable and unavoidable consequence of his terminal condition.
Could this be considered a form of euthanasia or indeed suicide? He comprehended fully the result of his actions – or lack of action.
Does his action mean that he officially died of “natural causes” as a result of his illness rather than a self-inflicted verdict?
Just because we can prolong life indefinitely should we? Who knows? There might be a cure just around the corner? Should we submit to becoming the human guinea pigs for pharmaceutical companies? Or should we just be allowed to leave the earth when the time is right as everyone’s journey is different?
The euthanasia (assisted suicide) debate stirred feelings in many of our readers with discussion ‘for’ ‘against’ and ‘in-between’. We even received a poem. So thank you, everyone for your contributions and continuing to make GGs a forum where all opinions are valued.
Although all writers did include their names in their emails some chose to remain anonymous if published. Here are your thoughts. Ed
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Dear Editor
Although as of today, I am a fit seventy six year old lady, who plays plenty of sport, tennis, table tennis and when I have time, lawn bowls, I am very much in favour of Euthanasia when the time comes.
I have dealt with death with a friend in a nursing home and know it’s not for me. It’s a terrible way and I wouldn't want my family to have to go through it with me. I really hope and pray Euthanasia will come in before I get to need it.
Anonymous
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Dear Editor,
I have read your article in the mini edition of this months GG and as a person who has had loved ones pass away, and watch quite a few of my clients "leave us", I feel that there should be a "pathway" for people who are of quite sound mind but have a terminal illness, of which their treatment is no longer working, or have reached a time in their lives where their quality of life is no longer there for them.
The anguish that I have observed, and the loss of dignity, is something that unless you are present you have no idea of how demoralizing it is. While I am aware that there are loopholes in this proposal, we also could put in place certain criteria and guidelines to assist these people to make this decision with support and love.
With all the "red tape" and certain "lobby groups" out there, it certainly will be a battle, but one, which I feel would be worth the war and the battle.
There has been quite a bit of controversy in recent times about Dr. Nikiski and maybe someone who isn't in the "limelight" so to speak could take up the challenge, new face different profile. So yes you have my support in this matter but again with good guidelines and criteria
Yours sincerely,
Colleen Pound
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Hi
I am late with my reply but for what it is worth, here it is.
My opinion is based on my Christian belief that it is the Lord's prerogative to take us when the time is right. I am aware many will disagree because of not having a 'relationship' with Jesus.
I have watched my Mum deteriorate due to cancer - my prayer was that when she would not be in pain. I did feel helpless but we had several occasions when we said the Lord's Prayer together and drew strength from our faith.
The family (my husband, children and their husbands) were very blessed, as she knew us all to the end. It was hard, but in the current Groovy Grandmas there is reference to our disposal society. Euthanasia is the ultimate disposal of a human being.
Human beings are precious and should not be disposed of - whether young or old. Our parents nurtured and cared for us and although a hard journey, we need to walked that journey with our old parents. It is part of honouring them. While journeying with them, we learn stuff about ourselves. Life is not about convenience but ultimately 'loving our neighbours as ourselves'. (Our neighbour being whoever we are connected to)
Regards
Adrienne Ward
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Hi there
I am extremely pro Euthanasia, we are supposed to live in a democratic country but here we do not have a choice. I have watched friends slowly die in a palatine care unit because the law says they have they don't have a choice. One said to me," if I treated my cat way dying in agony like this they would put me in jail, why can't I just be put to sleep."
My brother turned 50 last month and is dying from a rare, aggressive terminal cancer, He was told to go home, sort out his affairs and wait, this is so unfair on his family, wife & 4 children who they are now eating organic food, he has been for expensive alternative treatments (supported by family and friends) because it is not supported by the government because they benefit more from pharmaceutical/chemical companies.
In cases where miracles don't happen people should have the right to leave this earth in a dignified way when they feel the time is right.
Kind regards
Deb
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Hi
I forwarded your last email to my mum who has spoken about this subject for decades. She does not use the computer and yesterday bought a had written note as follows:
As a 77 year old Great Grandmother with a 101 year-old father (5 generations) who is alive and well (although tired!). I too believe it is time for a referendum on euthanasia.
As G.G.G.Pa says "There are too many people on this earth and he is one too many” he doesn't have the will or means to take his own life, partly because it has never been discussed in the past and would not occur to him to do so.
I would personally make enquires for myself when and if I chose to end my life, with the knowledge of family, so it could be done with calmness and love - no guilt or trauma, quietly dignified, yes it is time for a referendum.
Regards
Deb
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Dear Editor,
I am a firm believer of euthanasia for terminally ill people, after watching my father die slowly of cancer. I myself have Multiple Sclerosis and I do not wish to make my family suffer having to watch me die at the later stage of the disease. My husband also supports euthanasia and we plan on going together at the end otherwise he would be charged with murder.
Karen
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Hi Bryony,
Thought I would put in my two cents worth regarding euthanasia.
My husband, our youngest son and myself were only discussing this topic today. We are a mixed bag with our opinions, son says a definite yes, husband is a maybe-where there is life, there’s hope. I used to say yes but 36 years ago my husband and I (he was my boyfriend then) had a bad motorbike accident, I was in a coma for 2 weeks, no-one knew back then whether I would live or die, what the damage would be etc.
I had always told Mum I didn't want to live as a cripple or be a burden on anyone, thank goodness she didn't ever give a thought to what I had said, for now, I am alive and kicking, happily married for 35 years. have 3 kids and 8 grandchildren. So, I say if there is no hope do it, otherwise, where there is Life there is HOPE.
Yvonne Goddard
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Hi
Love the Groovy Grandmas newsletter & thanks to all the team.
You asked for comments particularly from those opposed to euthanasia.
I have a clinical health and disability background as well as 14 years experience in policy analysis in government.
And I've been at the centre of many debates and fought long and hard for one's right to choose the time and manner of one's death, based on my experience of the suffering of those with terminal illness or diseases such as muscular dystrophy and their families.
I've supported euthanasia in the face of close friends' arguments that by taking this position, I'm failing the most disadvantaged members of our society and simply supporting the lack of funding for better healthcare, palliative care and pain and depression management.
But what's changed my thinking? Nursing terminally ill family members and helping friends; developing a healthy cynicism after seeing how funding decisions are made by governments and working in mental health, knowing the devastating effects of depression yet seeing recovery and lives lived again from good treatment. Some examples from many: Seeing my father smile the night before he died from Parkinsons and mouth "thanks", when I felt months before he should have had the dignity of going sooner. Seeing one of my dear friends research and plan his euthanasia after a massive stroke but watching his depression and hopelessness dissolve after intense rehabilitation and his return to work. Seeing my sister-in-law with end stage Alzheimer’s at 58 light up some days when I visit and try to talk.
Yes, for the last couple of years I've been rethinking my position from pro to saying "be very very careful". Be careful about allowing our nation to legalize euthanasia as a national policy position. For some, a dignified and planned death may still be the preferred option. But I don't trust any government or health system to properly fund palliative care if we allow this blanket option and I also believe that people with good pain and depression management should be allowed time to explore resilience and recovery.
Sue Behan
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EUTHANASIA
By
MARIE GORDON & JEAN BROWNLEE
Euthanasia is the way to go
We're giving it away today
So bring out your sick and elderly
For dispatch in a very fine way.
Don't hang about if you're feeling sick
If your pills don't do the trick
There's no need for misery and pain
Reserve a seat on our one-way train.
Wrinklies take up too much time
Wasting money is a terrible crime
An extra special we offer today
A ringside seat for our final display.
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