Gerald Larue Dies at 98; Early Advocate of Right to Die - NYTimes.com
Outlines the birth of the right to die movement. What do you think about that?
related essay:
Why I Hope to Die at 75 - The Atlantic
related essay:
Why I Hope to Die at 75 - The Atlantic
In chapter 8 of our Berry text it talks about the right to die movement when a husband and wife decide to end their lives at the age of 81. Both were becoming ill and decided that they wanted to end their lives together. The right to die movement is the choice made by a person when they want to die. Obviously this decision affects the elderly population more than the younger population. My grandma has severe dementia if she knew what her disease has turned her into, not remembering her family and friends I wonder if she would have decided to choose death rather then go through the mental suffering she is now. I think that if an elderly person is getting sick and realizes that they have no hope of getting better and want to take their own life so they do not have to suffer. That is their choice and should not be judged by that fact. I have no problem with this movement as long as it is people who are ill and their prognosis is terminal. If it is for other reasons then I think it is hurtful to human life.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emily but would like to bring up a counter argument. Yes, when the elderly are suffering death seems like a way out to die with dignity instead of in pain or with altered mental status. However, if we did allow this, it would start a very slippery slope of when and who can be allowed to die. What are the age requirements, for what diseases, what if half the family says yes and the other no. Also, we must be aware that over time this mentality may transfer to younger people. For example, kids with physical and mental illness are hurting and are put on suicide watch because we feel like it is for the betterment of the person. If we get used to this right to die movement, we may have severe consequences in the future.
ReplyDeleteBrent, I think you bring up a really good point regarding that slippery slope. Especially in our partisan society today, the argument over where to draw the line with the right to die could become a polarizing issue. Instead of something that should be regarded as a legitimate issue, it could quickly be something that the two major political parties use as ammunition in their political agenda.
DeleteWhile I can understand where Emily is coming from since my grandpa has mild dementia, I would have to say that I agree with Brent. The "slippery slope" seems like a very accurate way of putting all the logistics that would be necessary in order for a true right to die movement to become a reality. I also like how Brent brought up that this mentality could transfer to younger people, because that seems like it could be a very sad, unplanned possibility. There would definitely have to be very set guidelines and rules for me to get on board with this concept.
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