Euthanasia, much like psychiatry, is a tool available for those that are suffering. But in those cases wherein you could avoid that suffering by other means, when the suffering is caused by the all-withering hand of capitalism… Well, sometimes you gotta amputate an arm, that’s undeniable, but you should try curing the infection first if you can.
Right, the problem isn’t inherently with euthanasia, it’s with euthanasia being used as a substitute for providing livable conditions for people.
In Oregon, we passed the Death With Dignity Act back in 1994, the first state to do so. But it hasn’t been plagued by these same issues. It’s very tightly controlled, requiring someone to be diagnosed as terminally ill (6 months to live) by two physicians. Then the administration itself is via pills that must be swallowed by the patient. The result has been a slow but stead increase to around 350 prescriptions, with about 2/3 of patients using it. Many report feeling a sense of relief just having the option there in case the pain becomes overwhelming. It also can mean they spend their final hours in comfort with family instead of in a sterile hospital room.
But this shift to MAiD for mental illness, that just feels wrong. Like we’re letting patients down and sweeping it under the rug. I’m willing to hear reason if there’s another side to it, but it just doesn’t sit well with me.
Damn and I really liked Simons. If this doesn’t convince people that capitalism is dangerous then I don’t know what will. A large company is literally promoting MAiD
