If someone you loved was suffering from chronic pain, with very little chance of survival and only a painful, traumatic death to look forward to, could you see the possibility of assisted suicide?


~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of Whale Song

I could see the possibility of this. I wouldn't call it assisted suicide. We may speed our "transition" up but we are not really committing suicide for death is ordained/mandated by God according to the Bible. If so, then all will die so how is one killing him/herself? It's already fated. Hope this makes a little sense. I always felt pity for the Florida man some years back who "assisted" his dear wife of many years in her "transition". It was out of a genuine deep love that he did so. :-)

I have to agree somewhat with R. Barfield. After reading so many stories of people in pain or people with very little "life" seemingly left in them, I can't say for sure I wouldn't 'help'. I feel awful for the people put in the position who think there is no other way.

I don't know honestly what I would do if someone I loved was not living a quality of life that was at least hopeful. I hope I never have to make that decision!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Absolutely I would consider it.But If possible I would want to know the opinion and feelings of the person suffering.A few years ago I had to have my beloved dog of 13 years put down.She was a toy poodle and she had daily seisures,more than one a day. She couldn't stand or walk at the end and it tore my heart up to watch her suffer. The Vet told me she could linger but would not recover. So I held her in my arms while she was administered an injection.Believe me, it wasn't easy but I wanted to be the last one she saw, not a stranger.She simply went to sleep forever peacefully. I can't understand why us humans aren't allowed the same humane treatment as a pet has.I believe strongly in Jack Kevorkian's crusade.Yes he broke the law . Yes he was arrogant. And yes he has served more time in prison than some convicted murderers who killed innocent people who had no wish to die.But I believe his motives for his arrogance were to bring the issue to the fore-front of the american people. Well he did that alright but his tactics were wrong in some instances. It only hurt him and set back the cause. But he took his medicine like a man.Over the years I have thought about him sitting in prison while OJ Simpson roams the night clubs and golf courses with a perpetual smile on his face. I makes me sick. Linda