[quote=Hobie]While I disagree in principle to offing oneself, I now have a very different perspective on quality of life issues. Maybe if explicitly discussed in a medical directive so as the fam can hope to understand the wish to avoid pain, quality of life, burden to others, etc. and better cope. Then the bitter pill may be a bit more tolarable to all.
Qualification: Between you, your fam, God, and probably your long term doctor only. No government involvement at any level.[/quote]
Well, the way I look at it, if you have really have a debilitating illness, and there’s no chance of recovering to a reasonable quality of life, there really isn’t a point. Your QOL sucks, it becomes both a financial burden and a burden on everyone else’s life. For example, late stage dementia, or terminal cancer or anything terminal for that matter. It’s painful for the individual, it heartbreaking for everyone else..
I have an advance directive, but I’m not sure how far it goes. My understanding it describes what to do in the situation an individual is an a vegetative state and on life support. It authorizes people to pull the plug. But it doesn’t apply to the situation in which you are alive and suffering.. I’m not sure if CA is a right to die state or not…
