The Value of One Life?

[coffeefirst]

I've just been reading through comments made about a news story from Switzerland that states that a healthy woman whose husband is dying, wants to be assisted in suicide when he's gone. Since assisted suicide is legal there, she is scheduled to be "helped" in to death when her partner dies. The same article mentions a young paraplegic man who was assisted in committing suicide after suffering a rugby accident that caused his paralysis.

I saw comments that said that in our society we are obsessed with keeping people alive who shouldn't be kept alive. Damn right, we are! You know why? Because no life is of more importance than another life. The young healthy doctor's life is not more important than the life of a young man with Down's Syndrome who works part time at a fast food place. The helpless woman who, due to brain trauma, is unable to speak but can only smile is not of less value than a woman fit enough to run a marathon. The baby who is born prematurely with numerous long-term health effects is of the same value as a baby born full term.

Here in the United States we fight for individual people to survive and thrive because we value each person. I love that about us! Why would we want to be like a country, such as China where assisted suicide is also legal, in which people with disabilities are looked at as a "drain" on society. Can you imagine the pressure put on the few paraplegics that choose to live? It's so incredibly sad to fathom that my stomach hurts.

The value of one life is priceless.

Here's the story:

http://news.aol.com/health/article/assisted-suicide/413654

[Mommyx2....]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 8:46 AM

We all have a purpose and there is much we can learn from each other even when what we learn is "what not to do" each person is still so vital to us all.

Great post!

[KelleyP77]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 8:57 AM

I do agree with this in that all life is valuable. However, I watched my best friend's father suffer a horrible death to cancer. He wanted to go to ease his severe suffering, and I guess I'm of the mind that those individuals who have a clear mind (completely cognisant, non-depressed, with no psychological issues) should be able to end their life if they chose. How would a "clear mind" be determined, and what instances would make the decision legal? Well there lies the problem. But I can understand certain circumstances. Now for those who cannot speak for themselves, I think it is never right to take their lives from them.

[ShutterbugMama]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 9:16 AM

The cases are as invidual as the view points.

xo

[drewntaesmom]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 9:28 AM

I don't think suicide is ever the answer whether it is assisted or done alone. Our town was torn apart about a month ago when two teenagers killed themselves. I don't see how the pain for those left behind is any different whether assisted or done by oneself. Makes me sad to think about it actually. Why has our societies made death so much easier than living?

[Queenb03]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 11:13 AM

what a great article.... the value of life is very skewed ... put a bomb on your body... blow up those around you and you will be a martyr... view who lives or dies... ... its is not our place to choose for others... however it is not our right to artificially extend life beyond what it can sustain

for those that can have a voice now is the time to .... write out your health directives... should there ever come a time you loose your voice... and always go back and revise it ...as your life changes...

do not let someone have to second guess your wants ....

[rebabeach2]

Apr. 7, 2009 at 2:45 PM

The cases are as invidual as the view points. ShutterbugMama

I agree with this. It is near impossible to measure and balance all situations the same. And Queenb03 also makes a good point. Be vocal and write down what your choices are, in the event you can no longer make them for yourself.

[JaR123]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 12:44 PM

I agree that every life is just as important as another.  With that being said, I think assisted suicide should be legal.  Why?  I lost a step-father, step-mother and cousin to suicide.  If someone wants to end their life, that is their choice to make not ours.  Instead of using a gun or pills or hanging themselves, this is an option that wouldn't be so traumatic to them or family.  I DON'T believe someone should take their own life but for all intents and purposes, it should be an option to have help.  Again, I think it is that persons choice and they should be able to decide. 

[nobakecheezcake]

Apr. 8, 2009 at 8:11 PM

If someone wants to die, they should be ALLOWED TO DIE.

If their body is not THEIRS to do with WHAT THEY WILL, it is not a FREE country.

What part of this can't you folks wrap your head around?

[coffeefirst]

Apr. 9, 2009 at 7:31 AM

nobake - I think sadly that most "folks" agree with you according to the responses my post got. I don't mind being in the vocal minority.

(Original Poster)

[Carol1260]

Apr. 9, 2009 at 12:15 PM

i believe  we all serve a purpose in this world. I feel every life is precious and 'suicide' not be so easy, but many choose it as a way out for numerous reasons.

I can say this, I worked 25 years in the medical field in different capacities before I became disabled. I have major health issues at this moment that a nasty cold turning into pneumonia could easily take my life at any time. I have an Advanced Directive for my care if I am ever legally brain dead in a coma.

But the needless deaths I witnessed while I worked, I can tell you were cases of poor, neglectful, and purpose driven care done in our health care facilities. Things the families never knew about and these practices still happen today.

Being a health care worker for so many years, you would think I'd advocate the care people are given but I don't. What I saw lasted me a lifetime. In essence, I have to wonder if people realize that upon their death what an impact losing them makes on the people who knew them alive. Whether it be by their own hand or the hand of others.

Take care,

Carol