Family members do not have an official position in the practice of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (EAS) in the Netherlands according to statutory regulations and related guidelines. However, recent empirical research conducted on people who know they are nearing death is an important addition to the international debate on euthanasia and assisted suicide. The study population consisted of bereaved people who were immediate family members or friends who were with the patient at the moment. People elect euthanasia for a lot of reasons, but the most important is that they don’t want to lose their independence and autonomy.
Euthanasia is often considered as an unnatural death, so it has been suggested that euthanasia may induce traumatic grief. However, the grief experienced by Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient’s suffering. The patient in question would typically be terminally ill. Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person’s life to relieve suffering. For example, it could be considered euthanasia if a doctor deliberately ends a person’s life to relieve persistent pain. Though euthanasia is often used to reduce the pain of dying organisms, it presents complex issues when used in humans. Evidence suggests that the desire to hasten death often comes from wanting to maintain some power over one’s own life.
Euthanasia can be considered as a way to uphold the “Right to life” by honoring the “Right to die” with dignity. Family members of those who requested medical assistance in dying felt more prepared and accepting of the death than family members in the other group. In conclusion, the desire to hasten death often comes from wanting to maintain some power over one’s own life.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Effects of euthanasia on the bereaved family and friends | by NB Swarte · 2003 · Cited by 165 — As euthanasia is also considered as an unnatural death, it has been suggested that euthanasia may induce traumatic grief. However, the grief experienced by … | pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov |
| Euthanasia and assisted suicide | Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending a person’s life to relieve suffering. For example, it could be considered euthanasia if a doctor deliberately … | nhs.uk |
| Euthanasia – MU School of Medicine | Euthanasia is the practice of ending the life of a patient to limit the patient’s suffering. The patient in question would typically be terminally ill. | medicine.missouri.edu |
📹 Terminally ill 29-year-old to end her life
Diagnosed with terminal cancer, Brittany Maynard made the decision to take her own life and made a video explaining why.
What Are The Negative Side Of Euthanasia?
Arguments against euthanasia highlight several critical concerns. Firstly, euthanasia could lead to a decline in care quality for the terminally ill, as it places significant power in the hands of medical professionals, potentially undermining the trust between patients and doctors. There is a possibility that individuals might feel coerced into requesting euthanasia by family, friends, or healthcare providers, despite not genuinely desiring it. Euthanasia is characterized as a last resort when all other options fail, contrasting with suicide, which is an independent act.
A common worry is the confusion between euthanasia and palliative or hospice care, where both sides of the debate express concerns about its implications. Critics argue that legalizing euthanasia might inadvertently create pressure on vulnerable populations to choose death over being a burden, raising moral and ethical questions. They posit that the practice could diminish society's respect for life, diminishing compassion towards those suffering.
Additionally, the risk of misdiagnosis complicates the issue, as one in twenty medical diagnoses is incorrect. Opponents also stress the potential for increased suicide rates and the negative psychological impact on families experiencing the loss through euthanasia, viewing it as a form of legalized murder. The call for maintaining the sanctity of life and societal responsibility to provide care serves as a strong foundation for arguments opposing euthanasia.
What Does Euthanasia Do To The Body?
Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a patient's life to alleviate suffering, primarily in those with terminal illnesses or extreme pain. The term originates from the Greek words meaning "good death." Typically, euthanasia involves administering a lethal agent, often a barbiturate, that induces loss of consciousness and ultimately suppresses cardiovascular and respiratory systems. This practice can be categorized into active and passive euthanasia; active involves direct intervention by a physician to administer drugs, while passive refers to withholding treatment leading to death.
In addition to providing relief from unbearable pain, euthanasia can facilitate organ transplantation from terminally ill patients. The debate surrounding euthanasia raises ethical questions, including the distinction between it and physician-assisted suicide. Both practices are legally contentious, varying by country. While active euthanasia is characterized by the use of medications, passive euthanasia involves allowing natural death.
Different methods of administering euthanasia involve drugs like Sodium thiopental or Propofol, often initiated by placing an intravenous line. The process ensures the patient falls into a coma before muscle paralysis and cardiac arrest. Despite its compassionate intent, euthanasia remains a complex issue, warranting extensive ethical consideration and legal scrutiny surrounding the autonomy and dignity of dying individuals.
What Are The Four Stages Of Euthanasia?
Euthanasia, a complex medical practice, involves a physician taking action to assist in someone's death and can be categorized into various types, including voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. Active euthanasia occurs through direct actions, such as administering a lethal drug, while passive euthanasia involves withholding treatments, thereby hastening death. The euthanasia process typically follows several stages: (1) the initial euthanasia request, (2) a written declaration, (3) obtaining a second opinion, (4) scheduling the euthanasia procedure, and (5) the act of euthanasia leading to death.
Ethical dilemmas often arise for healthcare providers concerning decisions related to resuscitation or terminal care. The principle of informed consent is essential, granting patients the legal authority to make significant medical decisions. Assisted dying, including physician-assisted dying (PAD), remains a controversial topic globally. Prominent theorists, such as Draper, emphasize four essential components defining euthanasia: an agent and subject, intention, causal proximity, and outcome. Understanding the stages of death, as outlined by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, adds depth to this discourse, challenging societal views on end-of-life choices and grief experiences.
What Are The Reasons For Physician-Assisted Death?
Table 3 presents the reasons for requesting physician-assisted dying (N=48) and end-organ failure (N=27). Key motivations include loss of control and independence (52. 1% for PAD vs. 48. 1% for end-organ failure), loss of ability to engage in enjoyable activities (43. 8% vs. 51. 9%), and illness-related suffering (72. 9% vs. 55. 6%). Fear of future suffering was noted by 22. 9% of PAD patients and 22. 2% of those with end-organ failure.
Physician-assisted dying (PAD), defined by the American Medical Association as when a doctor provides means or information to help a patient end their life, presents ethical and legal dilemmas. As it gains acceptance in more regions, research has explored patients' motivations and potential implications. Disease-related symptoms were cited by 59. 8% as significant reasons for seeking assisted deaths. The debate features strong opinions on both ends.
Proponents argue it offers dignity and control at life’s end, while opponents raise moral and religious objections. Additionally, assisted dying options are contingent on terminal illness and patient autonomy, underscoring the complexity of this sensitive issue.
What Conditions Qualify For Death With Dignity?
Patients seeking to utilize Death with Dignity laws must fulfill strict eligibility criteria, including being an adult resident of a participating state, mentally competent, and able to self-administer prescribed medications. Individuals must have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less to live, with no exceptions to these rules. Death with Dignity is distinct from concepts such as suicide or assisted suicide.
Different states have varying processes for eligibility, but typically, two healthcare providers must confirm that a patient meets the necessary qualifications. States like California, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, among others, have adopted such laws.
The Death with Dignity Act, particularly notable in Oregon, permits terminally ill residents to request prescriptions for self-administered, lethal medications, affirmatively allowing them to end their lives with dignity based on their own choices. Eligibility generally includes adults aged 18 and older who can make informed healthcare decisions, with regulations aimed at respecting individual autonomy in end-of-life scenarios.
To summarize, eligible patients must be diagnosed with a terminal illness and fulfill specific criteria to request physician-assisted death, underscoring the importance of personal agency in their healthcare and end-of-life decisions.
How Does Euthanasia Affect Family Members?
Unnatural deaths, including suicide and euthanasia, can generate intense grief in family members. This paper by Trijntje M. Scheeres-Feitsma and Angela J. J. M. Keij explores the emotional consequences of euthanasia on relatives, suggesting it may incite traumatic grief akin to that experienced after a suicide. The study reveals that emotions such as guilt, regret, and anger arise following these deaths, posing significant challenges for families.
Euthanasia, viewed as a decision amid terminal illness, similarly burdens loved ones by instigating feelings of powerlessness. The emotional dynamics surrounding euthanasia are complex, with impact extending beyond the individual to affect family relationships. The study identifies five critical themes surrounding families’ experiences: (1) context of the decision, (2) grounding the decision, (3) cognitive and emotional work, (4) communication issues, and (5) lasting psychological impacts.
Research indicates that pursuit of medically assisted dying may lead to less traumatic grief and greater preparation for death among families, though reports of negative emotions may be underrepresented. Overall, euthanasia decisions significantly impact family members' emotional experiences, revealing the layers of grief linked to such choices.
What Is The Guilt Of Euthanasia?
Guilt often arises when pet owners face the decision to euthanize their beloved companions, stemming from the deep love and responsibility felt towards their pets. This emotional turmoil can be painful and confusing, but it is a natural response to the gravity of the situation. Euthanasia, defined by the American Medical Association as mercifully ending the life of a suffering individual, is a complex and controversial issue. Ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia frequently challenge healthcare professionals, particularly with decisions related to resuscitation and end-of-life care.
While legal definitions and practices vary across countries, euthanasia remains illegal in many places, including all U. S. states. Critics argue against euthanasia on moral grounds, citing violations of patient rights. Conversely, proponents stress the duty of physicians to act in the patients' best interests, emphasizing autonomy and beneficence as core values. Feelings of guilt regarding a pet’s euthanasia can stem from misconceptions about their suffering during the process.
However, it is crucial for pet owners to recognize that this decision is often made from love and compassion, aimed at preventing further pain. Self-compassion and understanding that such feelings are common can help pet owners navigate their grief; seeking professional help may be necessary if feelings of guilt and distress persist.
What Are The Interest Groups For Euthanasia?
Death with Dignity is a prominent advocate for end-of-life policy reform, with affiliates across several states, including Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New York, and Oregon. The organization has about 30 guides dedicated to supporting eligible individuals seeking end-of-life options. It provides vital research and resources regarding death, dying, and bereavement, promoting the rights of mentally competent adults suffering from terminal illnesses, chronic pain, or disabilities to have a dignified death.
Compassion and Choices leads initiatives to ensure medical aid in dying is accessible to all eligible terminally ill patients. Numerous organizations, like the National Right to Life Committee and the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition USA, oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia, advocating for improved quality of life instead. Various religious leaders and ethicists weigh in on the moral implications of assisted dying, reflecting diverse community views.
Overall, national organizations, including the World Federation of Right to Die Societies and several disability groups, emphasize the importance of protecting individuals' rights while opposing methods perceived as discriminatory against the disabled, elderly, and ill.
What Is The Most Common Reason For Euthanasia?
The most frequent medical conditions cited in euthanasia requests include terminal cancer (45. 4%), Alzheimer's disease and dementia (19. 8%), and constant unbearable physical or mental suffering (19. 8%). Treatment-resistant mood disorders and advanced cardiovascular diseases are also significant at 12. 2%. Loss of autonomy is a key concern for patients, notably affecting 16. 0% of those with cancer, 36. 4% with neurological conditions, and 23. 7% with end-organ failure.
Euthanasia is defined as compassionately ending the life of a suffering individual, particularly those with grave, painful illnesses. While many assume unbearable pain drives these requests, studies indicate that psychological distress and existential suffering are equally important factors. Notably, age, ethnicity, and the attending physician type (often general practitioners) boost the likelihood of seeking euthanasia. Additionally, motivations include the fear of burdening loved ones and feelings of a worthless life.
Overall, five main themes emerged in discussions of euthanasia, such as the recognition of unbearable suffering and the encouragement for changes in clinical practice. Euthanasia raises complex ethical issues, as it aims to end suffering but also involves profound considerations about life and patient autonomy. Different jurisdictions have varying laws on the subject, reflecting the complexity of this practice.
What Is The Argument Against Physician Assisted Death?
This summary presents four key arguments against physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia. First, opponents argue that such practices devalue human life, undermining respect for life’s sanctity. Second, there is concern about a slippery slope, where initial regulations on euthanasia may gradually erode, leading to broader and potentially harmful practices. Third, the assertion that pain can be sufficiently alleviated through palliative care and modern therapies counters the need for assisted dying.
Fourth, critics emphasize that laws permitting assisted dying alter societal attitudes towards vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and seriously ill. The moral, ethical, and legal implications of physician-assisted death are highly contentious. Detractors contend that legalizing assisted suicide could create undue pressure on terminal patients, inducing feelings of being burdensome to their families, while also corrupting the sanctity of medical practice.
Arguments against PAS often highlight respect for patient autonomy but caution that legalizing it could harm marginalized groups, including the poor and disabled. Ultimately, the debate remains polarized, balancing legal, medical, and ethical considerations, with significant emphasis placed on the potential adverse effects on patient care and societal values surrounding life and death.
📹 Grieving Your Cat, Dog or Any Other Animal Family Member – Tips, Tools and My Story.
Grieving the loss of your cat or another animal family member? Experiencing the loss of an animal family member is a singular …
I think it’s important to watch articles like this every once in awhile to realize that you shouldnt be taking life for granted, it is not infinite. Imagine all the things you would try to do starting now if you were told you had 6 months to live, now realize you can still do those now if you wanted, why wait? Infact, think of the things you’ll probably never even do because you put it off. Basically you never know, so make everyday great and realize everyday is something special no matter how big or small!
My cousin was terminally ill and chose assisted suicide in Oregon. His family supported his decision to die on a day he chose, in a place he chose, with the people he chose and the dignity he needed after a lifetime of illness and dependence on others. He didn’t get to choose much about his life, but he did get to make the final and most important decision. We should all be so lucky.
My dear sister-in-law died from the same cancer, and she was so debilitated and sad. My precious brother took her out of hospice, brought her home and took amazing care of her. Hospice came ever so often, but he did all of her personal care…bathing, dressing, changing, and feeding her as he spent So much time encouraging her to eat. It was amazing to see. She wouldn’t have lasted that long in the hospice, but inevitably she passed. Unbelievably, just a very few years later, he was diagnosed with the same kind of brain tumor. He knew that there was no treatment and didn’t want to go through it. Hospice was in and out and his children, my youngest son, myself, my husband, and friends took turns spending the days with him. It was extremely heartbreaking to see him become a shell of the man he was. He and his wife passed at home they way they wanted. I miss them every single day.
She didn’t choose to die. Her body is dieing. She is choosing to leave with no pain, no more deterioration of herself. She is choosing to die with her family at home where it feels more calm and less stressing like hospitals do. She will have music, which most hospitals refuse to do. She will go with peace of mind as she is the one who took time to decide how and when to go. She has time to say goodbye and there will be no regret since she is the angel who traced her own path on how to go and when. She is dieing, her buddy is shutting down and she has full conscience of it all too. So please understand that her choice is hers. I know it is hard to understand but when your body is shutting down…we all know that…this is the beginning of the suffering…and deterioration… The best is to look inside of yourself and ask yourself…what would you do if the only path you would have left is suffering and deterioration and loss of yourself along the way…. Keep it in mind and have compassion for those like her… Love, understanding,. compassion, respect and good vibes is what makes this world better and it is what these people need from you all…
Unless you have personally suffered the pain from cancer you can’t understand what a person is going thru. I had indescribable pain for 12 months and looked 9 month pregnant with all the symptoms of bowel cancer but for those 12 months doctors told me I was too young (I was 26) and the wrong sex to have bowel cancer and was just constipated……seriously? You know your own body and I fought them tooth and nail to open me up to find out why I was in so much pain. Eventually they did and found a tumour that was 5 by 5 cm and was told if they HADN’T operated I would have been dead in 6 months. Luckily I’m in remission and I’m now 44 but if I’d been in the same situation as Brittany I too would have looked at end of life options. Nobody should judge others on their beliefs especially if they are doing what they feel is right for them. Why die in excruciating pain when you can go peacefully, pain free and with above all else, dignity.
I was a vet nurse for 25 years. In that time i euthansed alot of animals. As hard as it was its the nicest way to stop suffering. We should have a choice. It is our right. My father had dementia and a fractured back. It hurt to see him decline from an amazing man who retired from the RAF. He died at home, and was given pain relief and a sedative. We played music. We all got to say goodbye. He was pain-free. Sedated in his last days he looked the most rested he had ever looked. It wasn’t euthanasia but he was at home. Why can we not treat everyone with the same love and respect. What a brave girl and what an amazing family x
I would b interested to know if anyone here has suffered with stage 4 Cancer or if they know anyone who has? My mother had stage 4 cancer in the form of a Brain tumor as well. It was horrible to see her suffer up to her passing day. This happened over 30 years ago and the pain of her suffering is still with her family. No one knows a cancer patients suffering except the patient themselves…Would you like to put yourself or your family and friends through that? I agree w Brittanys choice. its her choice and not ours.. RIP BRITTANY. .
Uh, she doesn’t “walk around with (the drug) in her wallet”. If you watched the full article, she says she keeps it away in a safe place. Sure, she knows where it is, but she’s not just carrying it, going to the grocery store, and then deciding, “You know what? I think I’m going to just end it. Right here. In public.” Please don’t perpetuate a false image.
I remember when this story broke headlines. People were so opinionated, arguing over whether or not she should be “allowed” to die. So many said she didn’t have the right, and basically should suffer until she died naturally. But the natural way was going to be brutal, painful, and upsetting to all. Natural doesn’t always mean better. Remember that.
Noone has the right to judge this young beautiful woman, or deem her any less of a person for making this decision. I personally think she is a brave woman. She had a 6 months diagnosis, and chose not to suffer with it at the end, as her husband stated in another interview, within 5 minutes, she was in a sleep like coma, and slowly drifted and passed away. It was pain free, and no suffering for her and her family. NOONE has any right to judge, or point hate in her direction. She has a legacy and has changed laws, infact encouraged the law to be changed in Canada which has now changed.
When I was 31 I had a lump on my neck which was cancerous. I prayed to Yahuah (Jewish name for God) and said if you want me to die I will die but if you want me to live then heal me, within 5 minutes I turned on the TV and there was a minister who put his hand on his neck and said someone is being healed of cancer and deterioration, the lump disappeared and I am now 71. When my mother died I was 21, I declared cancer you will never have me. I pray for anyone struggling with cancer or any disease to give your life to Yahusha Jewish messiah and trust Him according to Isaiah 53:5 by His stripes (He was beaten on His back with the whip of 9 tails) you are healed. Amein ❤ sending love
I support her decision 100% after perusal someone I loved die wile mouthing “help me,” while on morphine and anti-anxiety meds in hospice care. I had no ability to help other than to advocate for stronger medications, and to personally try and comfort that individual with kind words, gentle touch, prayer, and song, etc. I am forever changed by my loved one’s agonizing, prolonged, seemingly torturous death.
She was a beautiful, strong, courageous woman, and I’m so glad that she went public with her story. It’s because of her that the death with dignity issue was catapulted front and center, nationwide. I’m grateful to be a Californian with the right to die with dignity, should I be confronted with such a situation.
30 years ago I was told to go home and prepare to die from congestive heart failure at 31 years old put on a transplant list but told it takes an average of 18 months and I had a few weeks. I did refuse to sit and wait to die and researched my condition, etc and kept doing things I liked to do, even though they could cause internal bleeding because of blood thinners. I never needed that transplant and now have normal heart function. But, if I had a terminal, painful, debilitating disease, I would choose what this young lady chose.
Those judging have never seen someone die of cancer. It’s slow, painful, and is horrible to see any human go through. My grandpa, once a strong man who was in the 82nd air-born serving in two wars, was now a weak fragile man. My grandpa’s skin was gray and he was so skinny you could see every bone in his body. He was weak, confused, and not the same man I called grandpa. He couldn’t speak or eat. He was in so much pain and discomfort. He spent weeks in the hospital praying to just make it to see spring on last time. He never made it out of that hospital room, never got to experience the warmth of spring one last time. This woman is obviously waiting to take this pill when she reaches a point of complete suffering. My grandpa didn’t deserve a death like that, no one does. She can have her loved one’s last memory of her one that isn’t like how I remember my grandpa.
Im chronically ill, and we all have a right to die w dignity. We also have a right to die peacefully. It is just cruel to make anyone suffer, Im also so disgusted & tired of twisted religious views trying to dictate laws so that we suffer instead of making decisions about our own life & health. Another thing, so if someone had severe mental illness, they need to suffer their whole life through that too? Sorry, the self-righteousness of others to think you have a right to dictate to us what to do w our own lives is absolutely deplorable. You don’t walk in their shoes, nor do you have to live through their pain and suffering.
I came here because her story and article is apart of an assignment I have to do for medical school, but this is so heartbreaking 😢 But I’m glad that she is no longer suffering and is resting peacefully. This year in November will mark her 10years passing. Crazy how time flies. RIP to this lovely angel. ❤
Wow, this is an option I would have a hard time taking but I do think is better than dyeing from the cancer. Brittany is very brave and strong. She is doing what most would not; I didn’t even know that people could do what she is doing. I read and article that states she is doing it after her husbands birthday, I find it really sweet that she is waiting until after her husband’s birthday so she can celebrate with him, for the last time.
I can not believe everyone in the comments right now. Are you serious? You are calling her selfish because she decided that she did now want to die a horrible, painful death, while perusal her family suffer. Do you know hard it is to watch someone you love deteriorate before you? No, most of you have not had to suffer that horrible experience. She and her family are better off, they can say their last words and she can peacefully drift off into the abis. After all this, I guess this comment really doesn’t matter, neither do the ones above and below mine. She has already passed a peaceful death. I would say RIP Brittany, but I know that she is resting in peace.
I don’t get why people judge her. Fuck religion, it has nothing to do with this. It’s about a VERY brave women who doesn’t want to suffer. It’s her life and her choice. So who are we to say that she’s a coward for choosing death? She is actually very brave for choosing death. She doesn’t want to suffer and in that way, she doesn’t want to make her family suffer. I don’t even care in which god(s) you believe, it has nothing to do with this at all.
When you are in excruciating pain you don’t know what you are capable of doing. I stopped judging people because of their actions concerning suicide when it pertains to illness because I am not inside their bodies and I do not know the physical pain they are in. Suicide over lose of savings or someone breaking up with you. Those are senseless acts, but being in consistent pain mentally or bodily that’s entirely different. As a child of God you hope you can endure until the end but I see some individuals can not handle the trauma. God rest her soul.
My heart goes out to this young couple and their families. perusal this after years of her demise and realizing that there was a heart as brave as her at the same time feeling the agony in her trembling voice is heartbreaking. May God help all of those who are silently suffering and have to choose between whether they should continue to live with the pain or die by choice, Ameen 😢 Love and prayers from Europe
This is her choice. No one else should be allowed to comment on this. No one knows the pain she’s going through or the pain her family is going through perusal her suffer. This shouldn’t even be questioned if someone is terminally ill they should be allowed to make a choice. It’s morally correct to put an animal down so they don’t suffer. It should be morally correct for a human to be allowed the same thing.
I don’t believe God wants us to take our own life…but I know what unbearable pain is about…I am not worried about my dignity, I have given my whole life to Jesus. I have seen true miraculous healings, but not everyone gets healed. The suicide rate among bi-polar patients and the elderly are so high now…I am both, so I think about these issues and I have compassion for people dealing with horrible pain..I am not their judge…just be ready to meet your creator All your sins forgiven.. Eternity is what counts.
I’ve been battling cancer for 4 years now and am told that I need to be on chemotherapy for the rest of my life. I can not even begin to explain how much pain and suffering there is every single day of my life. I’m 32 years old and moved back in with my parents so they could help take care of me. Them perusal me suffer must be so hard especially when nothing helps my symptoms. I can’t imagine having a child and perusal them go through this. The basic needs people take for granted everyday, like eating is as hard as climbing a mountain. I am not at this point terminal however the rest of my life I will be very sick and on treatments. I would not ask my worst enemy to continue on this way. If I could get a prescription to die with dignity and peacefully, I would take that opportunity in a heartbeat. I honestly can’t believe it’s not an option for someone in my shoes. To me this is very inhumane. We have more respect for animals than humans and I can’t understand why it is this way. I can only hope in the future the laws will change and this will be available to those that are suffering so badly they don’t enjoy life anymore.
Thank you so much Brittney and family for fighting for “death with dignity” laws here in California. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Small Cell Carcinoma of the larynx on Nov. 7, 2017. Began a very ruthless treatment program of chemo 3 times every 21 days and radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks on Jan. 3-March 6, 2018. Unfortunately, it metastasized to my lungs and bronchial in November of 2018. The therapy I’m on, Opdivo, will only buy me time…it will take my life eventually. Thanks to you, I now have the comfort of being able to take control of my destiny when that time comes…until then, never stop fighting, never give up, and stand STRONG!!! Thank you for your sacrifice Brittney and family to give me the comfort of the death with dignity act now here in California.
Life’s too short. Here’s me stressing out and doing counselling over a silly ex whom I’ve known for a long time and does not respect me. I should just move on. There’s better things in life. She mentions that you should make sure you don’t miss out on things in life which is what I am hopefully going to do.
I’m 100% behind this. I watched my brother at 39 die of cancer, 6 months later my mom and 12 years later my dad. They don’t allow this in South Africa but I’m telling you know that if I get terminal cancer I will end my own life as I’m not going to put my family through this and I don’t want to suffer
My beautiful and amazing supervisor had been trying for a child with her husband for years; and the entire staff was so excited for her when it looked like she and her husband were finally blessed to finally have a child on the way. She started experiencing blinding migraines; and we kept telling her to go to the doctor and have it looked at. On a beautiful Monday morning, she didn’t come to work; and for 2 days; everything was quiet from her and we started to get really concerned. That previous Sunday night, her husband had found her on the kitchen floor & rushed her to the ER. She was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor; she and her unborn son died on the operating room table. Her family, friends and coworkers…we were so devastated and even after all these years, my heart breaks when I think of her. All those times she went home with migraines, they never bothered to do an MRI to see what was going on. :p but she likely wouldn’t have survived even if they had found it.
I watched a family member slowly die from the same kind of brain tumour… it was so traumatic for me to see every single day over those few months that I developed diagnosed PTSD. So I can completely understand why someone who is actually going through this (and not just witnessing it) would make this decision. At the end of the day, it is the choice of those who are suffering, especially with something incurable.
First of all my heart goes out to her and everyone in her family, along with everybody in her situation, secondly, I’m so glad she didn’t have to wait in agony for the end to come, but was able to end her life with dignity. I will never understand why people object to people ending their lives with dignity instead of suffering in total agony for months at a time until they die. We think nothing of putting our pets to sleep to put them out of their misery, but we refuse to do the same for each other, that makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever! The only proviso is 100% proof that there is absolutely no hope of survival, I’ve had cancer four times already, intestinal cancer, I’ve had 37 operations, I also have Crohn’s disease, I only have 5% of my entire G.I. tract left, and there were times that given the choice I would’ve chosen to end my life, instead I was forced to live, and by some miracle I survived, but to be honest I wish I didn’t, because every day of my life is pure hell, no words can describe the agony I go through on a daily basis. The only thing I look forward to each day is my shot of morphine, because I’m allergic to every other opioid painkiller, morphine is the only one my body will tolerate without making me violently ill, so it’s a double whammy. There’s no way I could ever put into words what it feels like to spend each day of your life in so much crippling agony you beg for death, and even if I could you still wouldn’t understand it fully, I don’t mean that is an insult, I just mean that there’s no words that could possibly convey the incredible pain and suffering that we go through, all because we lived in a society to selfish, arrogant, and judge mental to allow us to do the right thing
The doctors told her 6 months,according to that,she should’ve died in July. But it’s October & she’s still alive! Instead of taking the pills,she should give treatment a try & maybe get a year or more. My mom died of the same thing,very quickly 4 to 5 months,couldn’t walk & travel the world like Brittany is. Brittany should realize that things could be worse & try treatment to give her even more time,considering her message is “live life to the fullest”
Jesus suffered on the cross for six hours. Six hours before he passed on as the saviour of man. Are people really going to argue that God doesn’t want you to take your own life when you are already dying? Six hours, is not the same as six months of debilitating pain. I recall reading an article on euthanasia and a woman said something to the effect of ‘my mother always had a smile on her face. she was the kindest woman you would ever know. She suffered from cancer terribly. It took years for her body to give in. She used to always have a smile on her face but in her final days she died with tears in her eyes.’ That breaks my heart to think about. I believe that if your body has already entered the business of dying, to which there is no coming back from, than why not have the opportunity to chose when you leave? If anything, it’s selfish to hold onto a loved one who is in great pain and whose quality of life has been destroyed by disease or cancer. I think, if this option is right for you, it’s very brave to chose your time and to rest with dignity, and it’s equally brave to chose to stay until the end. I believe it’s our fear of death that holds us back from the concept of euthanasia. There are fair reasons to have concerns for it, but death with dignity is not one of them. We will all rest one day. Look back through history and you will find that many people who were on their death beds asked a doctor to help release them from their suffering, because they were ready.
I watched a friend of mine, a professor, traveller, animal caretaker, tackle cancer & it got her. I watched her suffer. Watched her slowly lose strength, her awareness of her surroundings, and finally not recognizing her husband or child-not due to medicine, but due to the cancer eating her brain. It was the most evil suffering. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. Ever. Much respect to this woman for being brave, being vocal, being strong, for taking control. Godspeed. Go well.
Brain cancer is very very painful,so people that disagree with HER choice. God forbid you or your family or friends go thru it,and I would like to know how much pain you would be able to tolerate,when pet owners put down their animals DOES the animal have a choice. NO they don’t they take the needle,people should mind their own business, I had a brother who fought Lou Garrett desease for 8 long years and it was totally sad I myself have had cancer twice and the treatment sucks and is very hard on you so unless you go through it don’t judge a person’s choices to not have to have the painful death
Such a brave young girl and such a tragic but brave choice she made. No more pain and no more waiting. My heart goes out to her husband and family but that goes without saying…she enjoyed her life til the end and she went out the way SHE wanted. I don’t think I could be that brave but I do admire her courage. Rest in peace Brittney.
I am sorry but anyone who thinks of euthanizing please listen – if we die abruptly by taking our lives by breaking it, the suffering won’t end as told by many spiritual masters in hinduism/sanathana dharma, you will still suffer after death by a million times as a soul without body, there are no shortcuts, you have to expire your karma to be released happily from your body with bliss. As bitter as it sounds your pain is your karma accumulated for so many lives and this life. Please contact a spiritual master before ending life with euthanasia, they can help you out in deciding, there are many spiritual matters like Sri Sri Ravishankar, sadhguru, Deepak chopra, yogiraj many sanathana dharma/Hinduism foundations set up for spiritual awakening, they can help. However, I do support stopping life support for terminally ill patients who would die without the life support. I support removing life support for terminally ill patients who will die without the support. It is against the rules of the brahman to force someone to live endlessly when their soul wants to leave.
I can totally relate to the lady now who wished for a ‘Fairytale’. When my dad first was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer I really thought the doctors were looking at someone else’s CT scan, even after he was diagnosed with two different hospitals. I think both the patient and family were brave to make this decision.
Here is a brave woman, who made her decision, who was entitled to make that decision, and in her hours of grief, does a article, for dignity in death. Everyone should have the right to choose, who wants to suffer, or see someone suffer?? My Mother suffered, and it was not.a good look – this is the last images that you are left with of the one you love. In pain, unable to eat, messing themselves, away with the fairies most of the time, if the are awake. If they are not awake, their mouth is wide open, their face is sunk in, their body is ravaged and covered is bed sores, and even more graphic images. NO ONE wants their loved ones to see them like that, and no relative wants to remember their loved one this way. When its quite easy to let a person go, a couple of weeks early and with dignity!!! RIP Britney x
14 years ago I lost my soulmate of 24 years to a brain aneurysm. I sat by his beside for a week waiting for my children to come home to say goodbye. At that point he was being kept alive but we had discussed it. We both agreed that if anything happened we would (it sounds awful) pull the plug. And my sons and I did what had to be done. 14 years later I’m surviving. Don’t know how but I am. This is all very hard.
Powerful article and a powerful reminder that before super invasive treatments, people just sat in absolute agony, without pain relief, and died horrible deaths. Now, the alternative is to chose an end that doesn’t involve so much agony when the chances of your death are 100%. These medications are not given out easily and in CA I know there is a process that requires two independent doctors with time between them. The pharmacist who gave the pills to someone I know said 90% of patients do not end up using the pills, but the control they feel being ABLE to end their life on their terms is the real power of the pills.
The fact that you have to move to one of those 5 states to die 😡. It’s not fair to those who want to die in THEIR beds in their house that they have lived in. Like others have said, we won’t let out pets suffer a slow painful death, but a human, no no that’s wrong and punishable by prison time. I watched my father slowly die painfully of cancer. And I am sure he would have chosen to die earlier on feeling better, rather than getting to the point where he could not longer feed himself, go to the bathroom himself, or anything else that we all take for granted. We need to let our loved ones die on their own terms.
Guys what if God is going to hill her and give her new life? No matter what no man can take the own life by own according to the bible. I’m not judging but, maybe if we missed the scripture of bible, some times God give us time to have time to fix our life that we have with God Instead taking our soul out with out any suffering. This article is on the social media to teach or learn from it what? It’s heart breaking and sad to Me honestly. Instead I think praying to God have better solution.
I never normally comment on a clip, but this is something close to my heart. I lost my best friend Just under a year ago to a cancerous brain tumour, perusal her turn into a vegetated stage over 14 months was so soul destroying. The emotional roller coaster that her husband, family and friends had to injure on a daily basis for this time ripped us all to bits. At the young age of 31 she had everything to live, marriage, new home, fantastic job and her independence etc, but she was struck down by this nasty horrible disease. Meaning family, friends and hospital workers had to do 99% of the things we take for granted on a daily basis. I can see the positives and negatives and I see why people are getting angry with one another, but until your there sat by there bed perusal them gasp for breathe as there organs are wasting away, perusal there friends hearts slowly being destroyed perusal the pain your friend, relative Etc is going through then you will never understand why this brave young lady has made this decision. Not only to end her own suffering to stop the elongation of suffering her family and friends will go through. If the people on here who want to argue about weather god exists or not spent half as much time raising some money for cancer charity’s then we might be a lot further along to curing this horrible disease, then there would be no need for the argument.
The only people that would judge a person who chooses voluntary Euthanasia, are those who have only lived a shallow and uneventful life. They see it as a waste of life, because they project themselves on the other person, believing that there would be some much to achieve and experience. But really that only applies to the person doing the judging. The further Irony, is that 8 out of 10 people who would judge a voluntary euthanasia patient, will live out their life, still creating very little of themselves and their life. Being Humane, is being Compassionate, and not being a cunt!
If anyone has ever watched someone they love die, in a hospital, in pain, and with machines and medical professionals poking them, crying from pain, one has to wonder where the dignity is in that! We have diseases that will render their victim helpless. No medications will cure them, the disease is a death sentence, but, in it’s “natural course” of time, it robs every last ounce of dignity out of that human being, and their loved ones are forced to watch and watch helplessly. When it’s an animal, it’s the “humane” thing to do, and put them to sleep. We treat our animals better. My grandmother said, “hit me over the head and put me out of my misery”. A sweet little old lady, who held her rosary beads tightly, had enough of the pain, but forced to live with it. It was cruel. I am 46 yrs old. I have watched people I love suffer from diseases that could not be cured….death sentences…. We all know the timelines of most terminal and debilitating diseases. Why wouldn’t this right to die with dignity be part of a persons right to choose. We fight for a womans right to choose with the abortion debate, you know, “my body my choice”. I don’t understand how this is any different. If a person has a terminal incurable illness, death is imminent, then why shouldn’t a person have the right to choose when that death would be? To me, it’s taking control back of your life and saying, I am not going to allow myself to suffer in pain, and have to have my family watch helplessly as I suffer. After perusal my grandmother suffer for months, we were relieved when she passed, she wasn’t suffering any more.
People choose different ways and the pill described is but one of them. perusal my twin go thru ALS was excruciating! Here I was the twin in the best shape of my life perusal her die! She chose Comfort Care at the end but it took her two weeks to go. She had lost the ability to walk, both hands had curled up and she had her voice change. She lost her voice the 1st week and the 2nd week passed on. They gave her a quart of water a day and after she could no longer eat…no food and no IV. I can’t say what I would do but no one knows til it is you living this type of situation….life is a gift…a day is a gift…we know not our time but appreciate your journey! I know I do mine and cherish my memories…..
Sigmund Freud and many others decided to end their lives because a terminal disease. And I dont read anyone complaining or laughing.. English is not my mother language, so I apologize if my comments are written incorrect.. But for Jesus Sake stop making fun comments about she, please respect her family.
My brother who is a doctor a gastroenterologist got diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer a year ago the prognosis is poor🌹🌹 he is really suffering right now with severe pain and nausea he’s been having chemotherapy for a year🌹🌹 I’m very Catholic my brain sort of thinks about as the days go on and my brother suffers more and more it’s not a bad idea to take a cocktail that will put you to sleep and take you out of the pain instead of going through all that suffering just my thoughts God bless you🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
My beloved twin sister, 74 at her death,, battled stage 4 lung cancer with such ferocity and grace for 18 months. But when she knew it was time to stop treatment, we brought her to the hospital and she asked the kind physician “How will I die?” He took her hand and told the story of his own mother’s passing. She was placed in a private room in hospice care . And with friends and family coming in and out for three days, it was as if she died in the middle of a conversation. The best way to die is to have lived a contented life surrounded by friends who love you,
It’s one thing to know you’re going to die and it’s another to choose your own death. She knows this illness is a terminal one; one in which will cause massive suffering for her. However, what one doesn’t experience, one won’t know. She even states she’s heard of what kind of suffering this illness brings forth. Yes, she’s very very afraid to move on and experience what she’s heard. But what if a miracle did happen? What if she got cured? Maybe she could have that family she and her husband have tried for, and maybe she could visit a lot more places as exciting as Machu Picchu. I’m just seeing things the optimistic way. Death should, in my opinion, be inevitable.
An experiment? Why would it be acceptable anywhere to require somebody to suffer a horrible death from a terminal disease. Society and people are just screwed up. People think they have the right to determine what is best for others. I am 54 years old and chances are I will die at work as I am in an extremely lethal business where mistakes are usually fatal. But if I do die of natural causes I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be ready to leave this fucked up place behind. I’ll hate to leave my kids behind but the rest of you? Good riddance.
I don’t know if I’d ever do this, but I 100% support giving everybody who is terminally ill, this choice. I’m writing an argumentative essay for my English class, arguing that people should be given this choice to die with dignity. I completely understand why somebody who is so sick and in so much pain, would want to do this.
I totally understand and agree. I wish we had those options where I live. Being sick and in pain daily over time is horrible. I’ve been diagnosed with Illness after illness nothing curable and I hang on for my 10 year old granddaughter who wouldn’t understand. My daughter has agreed to whatever I wish to do. If you don’t have pain 24/7 and quality of life is gone you can’t understand or approve.
Been a nurse for over 21 years and have seen what a debilitating disease can do to a person and family. I totally agree with assisted suicide. Unless you have seen what a living death sentence is you have no idea what you are talking about. Unless you have seen someone die from a slow painful death and watched their family suffer right along with them you have no idea what you are talking about. Bless you Brittany. Bless your family and friends too.
I Would Not Wish This Decision On My Worse Enemy, I Believe God Has Our Date Of Death, Only God Can Allow Death…Jesus Layed His Life Down For Us, Now We Can For Him, No Pill, Drugs Can Help With The Pain…Dear Lord Touch Oregon…We Have No Right To Ever Take Our Own Life, God Can Heal Also✝️✝️✝️💜
Is this against God? Are we allowed to choose this as Christians? I’m very curious. There is so much debate on suicide and I’m wondering if since the cancer is going to kill her, is this a “loophole” for lack of a better word? Or are we supposed to go through the suffering or whatever until God decides it’s our time to go?
Having witnessed in person my father in law get consumed by cancer for months, begging the doctors to put him out of his misery and stop the agony he was in, and later on perusal him give out his last breath while in excruciating pain to finally pass on with a tiny glint of a smile of eternal relief, I could never EVER judge anyone nor stand in the way of their decision to put an end to it with dignity and at their own terms. No ONE should be forced to “live” that way and meet death under those conditions. Screw religious beliefs, that BS doesn’t not come in a bag of morphine and doesn’t alleviate excruciating pain because accept some fairy tale jesus. Working in hospitals saw many of them desperately accepting god under the promise that it would alleviate their pain and they still died suffering. Euthanasia is a RIGHT we all should have.
Greetings. Maybe someday, we’ll stop acting like we know better then God. And start trusting him. I know someone who was stage 4, in the hospital, finally unresponsive, but up to that point he was praying for a miracle. When he could no longer, his wife and church prayed day and night. God answers prayers. He’s alive 6 years later with no sign of cancer. Had he played God and murdered himself he’d be dead right now. Stop playing God people.
Someone in Pakistan with the same brain cancer was told that she would live for maximum seven months, but one year has passed and she is improving according to her relatives. She is now getting cured by some herbalist. We are looking forward to her long life. This young girl should also try some alternative medicines. Why is she giving up so soon???
My wife is 30 shes type one diabetic, she lost both her legs, her first one when she was 12 the second one when she was 27 she also went blind about 3 years ago, shes in kidney failure right now(thankfully recovering) . I cant imagine her struggle. And im glad shes strong and will keep fighting. But there are days shes miserable, and thinks about suicide. You never know someones struggle, i would fight my wife tooth and nail if she wanted to do this. But i understand where this women is making the descision of her own will and i dknt really know where im going with this post but it hits home for me. I understand. When my wife went blind we left florida and have been traveling around the us for the past three years living in hotels. Live everyday like its your last. Because you never know when your gonna go.
There are only 9 states who allow this. EVERY state should have the death with dignity act. I’m very young to have all the medical issues I have. We are told we have the right to our own choices when it comes to our medical care & our body, but our end of life isn’t part of “medical care”?? Last night was a bad night for me. My son held my hand while begging me “please don’t die” & to “be strong”. Then he said to me, “Mom, I didn’t think I was gonna have to take care of you already”. (He’s 20 & autistic). It broke my heart. Those aren’t the memories I want him to have. Death is already painful enough, why cause even more pain to loved ones by making them watch one suffer?
I still think of you, beautiful Brittany. I think of her mom, and Dan. I’m sure the holidays are very hard on them. You were such a force to be reckoned with Brittany. Thank you for being such a strong voice for compassionate choices, and death with dignity. No human, no living being deserves to unwillingly suffer in their last days.
What spiritual bravery looks like from a soul that is boundless, formless, birth-deathless. I only wish that most of us reach the point of being spiritually advanced like Brittany. Many of us might be successful on this side of the dimension but she’s definitely beyond many of us. May she truly realize her infinity.
Thank you and I’m so sorry you’re suffering. Hopefully it doesn’t continue for your daughters lifetime or your husbands lifetime. I have been stage heart failure and I’m young, but realize that my four children and my two grandchildren live better for knowing me and with that I choose to stay noncertified care but insert of honestly I’m not in search. I am loving every moment I have. What my mom shared and the rest of her entire family above my mom is gone but what my mom shares is live love be kind just open your windows make yourself see the sun and breathe fresh air every day, and with that I defile doctors days of my life. I appreciate your article and I empathize with everyone that has lost or will lose loving you. I am just so thankful for the mother I have I don’t know since I could hear her wished me to live and so I am. You’re such a beautiful woman. I hope that you and your family live the longest beautiful life.
The 28 year old woman I loved, one day stopped suddenly by the door as we were leaving, and got this strange look on her face, grabbing head head and winching. Little did I know this was the beginning of a horrible end. It is difficult for me too watch this, it puts me back in that place that took the life of someone that I cared deeply about. Both her brother and her uncle both washed their lives to brain cancer, and now she was facing identical circumstances. It was a glio cancer, one if not the most aggressive insidious forms of cancer that metastasizes very rapidly and I can’t do this anymore I’m sorry I’m finished
It’s stories like this that make me stick the middle finger at rich famous people that are arrogant. People are going through real issues and we’re still taught to chase vanity. Nah. We’re here to share our gifts with the world and help one another, comfort eachother and be a helping hand. Life is precious. ❤❤❤
I remember this felt so sacrilegious the first time I saw it, it did not seem correct that she wanted to make it public, I feel people need to help cancer patients that become extremely angry after a diagnosis, I sadly lost a loved one to suicide a few years later and I always had compassion to people that commit suicide and now I understand it, my loved one watched this article with me, and I am so angry we watched it, I hate this stupid article, I have alot of compassion for cancer patients aswell, but this article just makes me angry and I dont know why I don’t have empathy for her, is it part of grief, I dont know, it just really sucks to loose your loved ones 😢
This is no different from removing life support from your loved ones. Imagine the pain someone feels making that choice for their loved ones. This way, the family isn’t having to do it. That’s a loving gesture. perusal someone die from a terminal illness is devastating and heartbreaking. I personally, for religious reasons, don’t agree with someone taking their own life for any reason, but I won’t judge someone who feels differently.
And who is to say that crushing depression – a depression where every day of your life is unremittingly painful. And no medications have worked. Your quality of life is so diminished as to be on par with people with end stage painful cancer or ALS. Why shouldn’t a person who has suffered living, year in and year out, and simply cannot bear the pain, be allowed to end their life in an easy and peaceful way? Why should they need to resort to ugly, painful, drastic measures?
Having seen many people die of cancer at this point, it’s such a blessing to be able to end with dignity and peace rather than intense pain, suffering, and inability to function. It’s only for those who have zero option to have a viable future and it’s an important option to have in those instances. Be assured, they live what time they have, tick off a few bucket list items, and it’s only when the pain really sets in, when they know that within a week, life will no longer be livable because they’ll be knocked out with morphine, on a vent, locked in a body that can’t move while their family sits bedside waiting for who knows how long, racking up medical bills, and it’s a person’s right to choose a simpler, gentler, more beautiful and serene passing than that. This isn’t ‘oh, life’s hard, I got bullied so I want to legally kill myself’. These people are dying. There’s no next year or next month. They milk every single bearable day out of life before making that choice. If you knew that in a week, you’d be a vegetable for 3 mos with no knowledge of being alive, while your family stressed all day, you’d want to go out beautifully, with soft music, with family and peace on day 6 instead. That’s all this is and I support it 100%. If you don’t believe in it, it’s not like YOU have to do it, but don’t interfere with someone who feels they need to make that choice for themselves and their family. It should be a law in every state. A right to die humanely and peacefully should be a right for anyone who feels it’s right for them when they are dying imminently anyway.