Why can you put a suffering and dying cat to sleep but not a suffering and dying human?

I guess we're worried about slippery slopes but yes-crystalized prejudice and all. Why can't we go outside nude ?1)to support the clothing industry or 2)christianity ?

Unless things change, that lack of option for a clean death might get me dead earlier than strictly necessary.

If I can't rely on it being available on considered request, then it'll have to come while I can arrange it for myself.

I've spent just enough time in hospital with people who were past ready to die, but were denied that, to know that spending days choking for breath or in severe pain is NOT how I want to go, and I can see no adequate reason why it should be demanded of me.

I see no merit in a painful undignified end.

I can see potential abuses of euthanasia, but that's what safeguards are for.

Killing off everyone old and inconvenient is at the other extreme end of the swing, yes, but currently the pendulum is swung too far the other side of the balance from that.

In a democratic country with a religious majority, yes, religious views are going to have an input into the law.

That's unavoidable, and right.

But also a reason I wish religion would fade from the planet.

I'm a nurse, with 31 years experience. Many of the patients I work with are in hospice/palliative care. We have come a long way toward making death more dignified and humane, but we can do better. Once we get rid of our religious obsessions, it will be easier still. I am NOT saying I believe in euthanasia, but I see no reason to make terminal cancer patients suffer for weeks on end "because God says we must value life." There is such a thing as QUALITY of life, too.

In Oregon, intelligent, and educated people put the Assisted Suicide Law into effect!

It takes a qualified doctor to decide if his/her patient is at a stage of an illness, that to continue their life is too painful, and quality of life is gone! Then THEY will make the decision on what will be the best method to end the suffering!

There is nothing wrong with having the CHOICE to end your life if you are terminally ill, and can not go on living with constant and unbearable pain!

Suicide is NOT considered for mental health or any other issues except for terminal illnesses!

Religion has no place in a decision of this nature!

i support euthanasia for terminally ill after seeing many of my relatives rot away with no chance, only to witness the pain and suffering. And, yet no one cares about them, but god forbid a poor dog or cat get hit by a car and we let it day over a period of days. This is almost as bad as the saying" they're in a better place". That is BS too. They're not in a better place, this is as good as it gets and those who cling to religion will never realize what a great life this is, b/c they're too busy waiting for the "better" and "glorious" afterlife. I'm sure everyone i've lost would much rather be here on earth.

I personally Do Not Know!!! It makes Sense to me ( Euthanasia) in animals as well as in Humans! But, it is against the Law!! I know that if I were Terminally Ill and Knew that I was Going to Die in Great Pain and Suffering, I would rather End My Life than cause more Expense, pain and Suffering to my Loved Ones. To me---- That is the Humane Thing to DO!

This is a great question. I have thought alot about these issues over the years. Both my father and an uncle commit suicide when I was really young. Those occurences have definately shaped my POV. I do not believe it is wrong to end your own life. I do not believe in the consequesnces laid out in the bible. I do believe there are consequences, just not punishment. because I believe in reincarnation, my feeling is that when you take your own life, you are cutting an experience you were meant to have short and that you will only be destined to have those experiences in another life. For me it is neither right or wrong, good or bad...it is just a choice like deciding to have that root canal now or later. I feel the same way about animals, if their time is cut short they will have experiences to have in another life. I don't feel that is my priveledge or duty to "assist" another person or animal to leave this life. We have had many cats that we have cared for and nursed until they passed on. I don't believe it is my place to put them down and if I do I wll need to resolve that karma in another life.

There are some legitimate fears about euthanasia, mostly that families will encourage sick family members to be euthanased in order to cut down on medical costs. However, it should still be available to people, it should just be screened well so that doesn't happen.

Basically, Christians believe that humans should have no control over their death, and they have somehow gotten their way in the law of the land.

I believe it deals with the family that is suffering not wanting the person to pass on.I have asked this question all my nursing career but people feel they are being caring I suppose, I don't know how that is. I believe people believe they are playing God by having the person die a quicker death. They consider this more humane but I think they have unresolved issues of guilt. I have not seen any evidence that this country doesn't do as it pleases anyway.

In the US, dogs and cats are considered property (sorry if that astonishes and upsets some). Humans are not considered the property of others.

While suicide is illegal, its pretty hard to punish, if you know what I mean.

As an attorney, I counsel people regarding preparing incapacitation documents while they're healthy so they can clearly establish their wishes for when they're unable. Suicide or euthenasia is not a legal option, but pain control is.

Check out Hospice care in the US. From what I can tell, they do a terrific job of pain control in the last stages of a person's life.

Personally, I think it would make much more sense for humans than for animals - because humans can decide for themselves! Any person over 21 should be totally responsible for himself and for his life, including having the option to end it on will. Doctors should be able to assist with a pain-free end.

With animals it's slightly more morally and ethically questionable, because they can't tell us whether they're suffering or not (well, at least to most people ;) ), so we decide to put them down without their consent.