suicide centers

[achilles12604]

Ok, I finally decided to bring this up as a topic.

Is anything morally, theologically, socially, or any other "ally" wrong with government run suicide centers?

All I see are benefits if the program is run correctly. Rules would certainly need to be in place but with good rules, I think it would be beneficial to both society, and the individuals.

Just think. For someone suffering with Alzheimer's they could simply decide to end it all. They would have time to set their affairs in order. Notify their family of their decision. Make arrangements. Then go to a warm, clean, comfortable environment sit down with a great last meal, watch a good movie, and go to sleep forever.

That sounds like a pretty darn sweet way to go. Anything wrong with this?

[achilles12604]

Hmm. Ok question just for you.
How about someone who is simply tired of life? No medical issues. But they have no family, no job, no friends. They are simply tired of trying and tired of existing.

Should these people have the option? Why or why not?

That is a very tough issue. I believe in an individuals right to make choices in their own life, but that seems to be so.. so.. extreme. I think that help should be provided to help them find meaning in their life, but I don't think that the government should provide assistance for them to end it. On the other hand, if they do attempt and do not succeed, if they did it in a manner than did not endanger other people, there should be no penalty.

If someone really wants to commit suicide, they will be able to find a method. If they are just asking for help.. well .. that is a different matter

So like the ancient concept of abortion, if you really want to do it, go find a twig and do it yourself, but no one can help you.

Does this sum it up?

Hum.. there was always help with abortion.. many herbs were used as natural ways to induce miscarriages for generations. There was always help out there.
It wasn't until it was made illegal that you found botched home made abortion attempts.

But bottom line, you were the one who actually did it. Not someone else right?

So if someone wants to end their life, they should attempt to do it themselves regardless at what risk to others, or at risk of serious injury for failing. Then this results in more hospital time and money being spent to fix you so you can try again.

I don't think that this is a superior idea to providing someone with a clean, comfortable and most importantly error free method. Not to many do it yourselfers anymore. Almost everyone hires a professional to get it done right the first time without making a huge mess and adding expenses.

I would say there are points to be made, however, it would have to be done very very carefully, since there could be abuses to the system.

Oh I absolutely agree. I think the centers should be very strictly monitered and very particular rules put into place.

For example, one rule that would deal with the guy who was just bored with life could be a 2 month waiting period. Sign up and nothing can be done at all for two months.

Rule two could be that during those two months, the person would be required to see a conselor to talk about life and be sure that the person REALLY wanted to do it.

Rule zero (much more important than rule one) would be an age limit. But perhaps there should be an exception for children in great pain and with zero chance of recovery.

I agree. there would need to be very strict rules in place. But given those rules, I think it would be a plausible idea.

[achilles12604]

Any other opinions out there?

[Negachrist]

Ok, I finally decided to bring this up as a topic.

Is anything morally, theologically, socially, or any other "ally" wrong with government run suicide centers?

Economically.

They could charge over-the-top prices, or they could spend lots on advertising to "encourage" people to spend money there.

Actually, on second thought, that would mean they'd lose out on potential tax revenue... so I'll stick with my first comment - fair pricing (or potential lack thereof).

[Negachrist]

For example, one rule that would deal with the guy who was just bored with life could be a 2 month waiting period. Sign up and nothing can be done at all for two months.

Rule two could be that during those two months, the person would be required to see a conselor to talk about life and be sure that the person REALLY wanted to do it.

In a thousand years' time, would it really have made a difference if someone chose to die at 30 or died when they were 100?

[Edit: Sorry for double post, I wasn't paying attention.]

[Confused]

Ok, I finally decided to bring this up as a topic.

Is anything morally, theologically, socially, or any other "ally" wrong with government run suicide centers?

All I see are benefits if the program is run correctly. Rules would certainly need to be in place but with good rules, I think it would be beneficial to both society, and the individuals.

Just think. For someone suffering with Alzheimer's they could simply decide to end it all. They would have time to set their affairs in order. Notify their family of their decision. Make arrangements. Then go to a warm, clean, comfortable environment sit down with a great last meal, watch a good movie, and go to sleep forever.

That sounds like a pretty darn sweet way to go. Anything wrong with this?

The closest we have is Hospice which does offer some of the most suffering, terminal sleep. But that is VERY rare. They do however promote comfort measures only, no feeding tubes, antibiotics, etc. However, they don't help you die, just help you die comfortably.

The problems in this area are the wide gaps in what "suffering" truly is. Outside of terminal illnesses, it is difficult to define. Even within terminal illnesses, at what point can we medically say they are suffering as opposed to psychologically depressed.

My best advice, make a very very explicit living will to include everything you don't want done, such as mine include no trach, no pacemakers, no PEG tubes, etc... and then make sure someone who can make a rational decision to respect your wishes is put in charge of it. Make sure you express it over and over it your family. My kids know that should they do any of the above, hell will not hold me if it exists, I will come after them, LOL.

[Simon_Peter]

hey people

They already exist, its called euthanasia.

However they wont kill disgruntled teens