[cancer] Assisted suicide and the will to live

[jaylake]

Yesterday someone asked me why, if I was so miserable, I didn't go ahead with assisted suicide, as provided for by the Oregon Death With Dignity Act. Voluntary euthanasia has been legal here for many years, the primary criteria being that the patient is mentally competent to request it, the request be made both verbally and in writing, and that the

Comments

[makoiyi]

It is a good philosophy to have. I didn't believe in any kind fo afterlife until my son passed. Even then I justified everything that happened with 'memory'. In other words, whatever I felt/experienced after he'd gone, I logically put down to something within my own mind. But as time goes on and reminders happen, and the grief and emotions lessen and things still happen - then, no. I don't believe in 'god' either and while I might be classed as romantically hoping - no. Not any more. There is something. Scientifically/logically, I haven't worked it out, because why would everyone keep it so *secret*, but as time moves on I can see the reasons, frustrating as they often are.
But, I agree with you, to never give up. Because there are people who need you. That is more important right now. Love your strength and courage. Never negate that. But spark a little for when/if you do pass on, because me, the biggest skeptic int he world has been convinced there is more.

[reynardo]

I'm glad you have a choice, glad you've been able to think about, and glad you've made your choice. Although still pissed off that you are in the situation where it even has to come up!

Fuck cancer.

[agent_mimi]

In my opinion -- not to be confused with reality, or with Jay's opinion, of course -- it wasn't framed politely. It was the standard passive-aggressive "if you're so miserable why don't you die already" kind of thing, and it was heinous, and was followed up with Ron, the one who posed the question, making demands on Jay regarding the content of his blog.

All that said, Jay has been remarkably kind, considerate and respectful to Ron, and Jay's reply here is tremendous. He's sharing immensely personal information with us by his own choice, and I don't think it's our place to demand more of him than all he has already given. Polite or not, demanding to know whether Jay or anyone with a serious illness has thought about assisted suicide seems less "fair" than inappropriate to me.