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Alrighty!
Thanks, Kooka, for your comments. Woo hoo! We agree on something!!!!
I like what you said about there being a fine line between killing someone and allowing them to die. I would be inclined to agree with that perspective vs the Jewish Rabbi's. It is probably a very fine line for me, because I absolutely believe in the sanctity of life and wish to do everything possible to support life. But at the same time, wish not to prolong misery and suffering. Thanks!
posted by
JanesOpinion
on November 8, 2004 at 10:27 AM
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Murder to me is based on motive
I do not for one moment think it is murder to end someone's suffering.
You are actually being kind to them. There is nothing to be gained form keeping someone's body alive after their brian is dead. I have written several posts on the subject.
And in this case you are not killing them, but allowing them to die. A fine line at times, but it is not as though they are bleeding and there is something you can do to stop the bleeding and give them a chance for a significantly longer life but instead are just standing there doing nothing. You have done all you can and all you can give now is a few more hours or days of a very painful life , drugged up so much that they most likely would have no clue they were alive if their brains worked enough to let them be even partially aware.
My uncle died last year of brain cancer. He had been truly dead for some time before his body caught up with him. They let him die because they knew there was nothing that could be done. A you said, they kept him on fluids and medication, but did not bother to do anything more. There was no point to it. No one in the family felt it to be the wrong thing to do. Even though they all felt the lose of it, they also knew it was what was best. He was allowed to die peacefully and with as much dignity as possible.
posted by
kooka_lives
on November 8, 2004 at 10:05 AM
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Jane
Very interesting. I have always been hopeful any in a coma would awaken. I have a really bad feeling about the woman in Florida. I don't feel they are justified to take her off life support so her husband can marry his pregnant live in. I don't know about someone who, if I understand you, dies and is resuscitated could be murder. I would tend to think the resuscitation would be more an error in the will of God because this can only now be done. What about people who died in the Old Testament or until recently died? Were there efforts to bring them back. Is that not what we are doing, bringing them back? The link was very interesting. Looks like leaving them dead is the best option. We have tampered both ways it appears to me. I never thought of this in my life I am just rambling on and on. Interesting subject.
posted by
Justi
on November 7, 2004 at 10:04 PM
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Jane, Remember Nancy REagan's correction of a question
a reporter asked her, regarding right to life and the death penalty. She said, we believe in the right to "innocent" life.
posted by
kingmi
on November 7, 2004 at 9:37 PM
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