I'm a fan of choice. I've also seen what happens when desperate and terrified people take matters in their own hands. I've seen the devastation of cancer and other terminal illnesses firsthand. I think everyone has the right to make decisions for themselves. Nobody owns anyone else's life. The exceptions to that should be radically few and far between.Some 85% of the 278,000 votes cast opposed the ban on assisted suicide and 78% opposed outlawing it for foreigners, Zurich authorities said.While opinion polls indicated that most Swiss were in favour of assisted suicide, they had also suggested that many were against what has become known as suicide tourism.Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said: "With the present lack of a safeguarded alternative at home, this result will come as a relief to many people in Britain who want the choice of an assisted death, should they find themselves suffering at the end of life.
I have posted on this topic before, but not for ZVTS. I am a strong advocate for helping people who are suffering. There is screening to help make sure the person is mentally stable enough to make that decision, and in most cases the drugs are not administered. In other words, the person must knowingly put the medicine in their body, of a sound mind. Those who are determined will do it anyway, and there is a lot to be said for a safe and comfortable environment for those who seek that treatment. Don't get me wrong, I equally support the people who choose to fight for every scrap of life, every last breath. I'm saying that in my mind, there is no question that this is something we should be able to choose for ourselves, under competent medical supervision. The fact that so many feel this way is a good reason for governments and medical professionals to have an open discussion about how to best serve the patients who wish to exercise ownership of their lives, and choose quality vs. quantity.
As always, I would love to hear your opinions.
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