May 13: Assisted Death, Good or Bad
Today, the Lords debated, very vigorously and with great emotion on the issue of Assisted Death. Both sides of the debate had a lot to say, but it was defeated. So, what's my view on this issue?
I personally, agree that one should be given the choice to decide when they leave this world. This is the same argument I have used over time on this issue. I am aware that this is a very emotive issue. I also do not believe in what religious folk describe as the sanctity of life, in that God gave you life, so he is the only one who can take it.
The main arguments against were the religious groups, and I have to say, people who are, I believe of strong religious background.
What is the requirement to be accepted, if one can say that, are (with my comments) Source
(2) The first condition is that the attending physician shall have
(a) been informed by the patient in a written request signed by the patient that the patient wishes to be assisted to die;
(b) examined the patient and the patient’s medical records and satisfied himself that the patient does not lack capacity;
(c) determined that the patient has a terminal illness;
(d) concluded that the patient is suffering unbearably as a result of that terminal illness;
(e) informed the patient of
(i) his medical diagnosis;
(ii) his prognosis;
(iii) the process of being assisted to die; and
(iv) the alternatives to assisted dying, including, but not limited to, palliative care, care in a hospice and the control of pain;
(f) ensured that a specialist in palliative care, who shall be a physician or a nurse, has attended the patient to inform the patient of the benefits of the various forms of palliative care,
(g) recommended to the patient that the patient notifies his next of kin of his request for assistance to die,
(h) if the patient persists with his request to be assisted to die, satisfied himself that the request is made voluntarily and that the patient has made an informed decision; and
(i) referred the patient to a consulting physician.
Ok, this part is very clear. It's the patient that makes the first approach. The doctor then has to check if the illness in question is terminal. If the patient has to be suffering intolerable pain, one can very well assume that they are or will be on morphine based painkillers or maybe stronger all the time. So can one be said to be of sound mind? Unless one is able to make a living will, that would say, if such or such situation arise, an example, would be that the pain and condition is being treated by aggressive drug treatment , which will in most cases have bad side effects. Making your life a misery.
One thing that is beginning to offered is palliative care, this is a very good alternative to staying in the standard ward where to be honest, are not very inspiring or inspired in the care for those who are dying and know that they are. i suggest popping over to this site on the BBC (How to have a good death)
Though I think palliative care is very good and serves a very good issue for the terminally ill. But in the end, you are going to die.
I personally, agree that one should be given the choice to decide when they leave this world. This is the same argument I have used over time on this issue. I am aware that this is a very emotive issue. I also do not believe in what religious folk describe as the sanctity of life, in that God gave you life, so he is the only one who can take it.
The main arguments against were the religious groups, and I have to say, people who are, I believe of strong religious background.
What is the requirement to be accepted, if one can say that, are (with my comments) Source
(2) The first condition is that the attending physician shall have
(a) been informed by the patient in a written request signed by the patient that the patient wishes to be assisted to die;
(b) examined the patient and the patient’s medical records and satisfied himself that the patient does not lack capacity;
(c) determined that the patient has a terminal illness;
(d) concluded that the patient is suffering unbearably as a result of that terminal illness;
(e) informed the patient of
(i) his medical diagnosis;
(ii) his prognosis;
(iii) the process of being assisted to die; and
(iv) the alternatives to assisted dying, including, but not limited to, palliative care, care in a hospice and the control of pain;
(f) ensured that a specialist in palliative care, who shall be a physician or a nurse, has attended the patient to inform the patient of the benefits of the various forms of palliative care,
(g) recommended to the patient that the patient notifies his next of kin of his request for assistance to die,
(h) if the patient persists with his request to be assisted to die, satisfied himself that the request is made voluntarily and that the patient has made an informed decision; and
(i) referred the patient to a consulting physician.
One thing that is beginning to offered is palliative care, this is a very good alternative to staying in the standard ward where to be honest, are not very inspiring or inspired in the care for those who are dying and know that they are. i suggest popping over to this site on the BBC (How to have a good death)
Though I think palliative care is very good and serves a very good issue for the terminally ill. But in the end, you are going to die.
(3) The second condition is that the consulting physician shall have
(a) been informed by the patient that the patient wishes to be assisted to die;
(b) examined the patient and the patient’s medical records and satisfied himself that the patient does not lack capacity;
(c) confirmed the diagnosis and prognosis made by the attending physician;
(d) concluded that the patient is suffering unbearably as a result of the terminal illness;
(e) informed the patient of the alternatives to assisted dying including, but not limited to, palliative care, care in a hospice and the control of pain;
(f) if the patient still persists with his request to be assisted to die, satisfied himself that the request is made voluntarily and that the patient has made an informed decision; and
(g) advised the patient that prior to being assisted to die the patient will be required to complete a declaration which the patient can revoke.
(4) For the purposes of this Act, a person lacks capacity in relation to being assisted to die if at the material time he is unable to make a decision for himself in relation to that matter because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain resulting from any disability or disorder of the mind or brain.
These I would guess would make it easier to put into a procedural rule book. But at several points, it does mention the fact that if the patient did decide that they want to go ahead, they can if they wish to, back out. There doesn't have to be a reason(a) been informed by the patient that the patient wishes to be assisted to die;
(b) examined the patient and the patient’s medical records and satisfied himself that the patient does not lack capacity;
(c) confirmed the diagnosis and prognosis made by the attending physician;
(d) concluded that the patient is suffering unbearably as a result of the terminal illness;
(e) informed the patient of the alternatives to assisted dying including, but not limited to, palliative care, care in a hospice and the control of pain;
(f) if the patient still persists with his request to be assisted to die, satisfied himself that the request is made voluntarily and that the patient has made an informed decision; and
(g) advised the patient that prior to being assisted to die the patient will be required to complete a declaration which the patient can revoke.
(4) For the purposes of this Act, a person lacks capacity in relation to being assisted to die if at the material time he is unable to make a decision for himself in relation to that matter because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of, the mind or brain resulting from any disability or disorder of the mind or brain.
3 Determination of lack of capacity
(1) If, in the opinion of either the attending or the consulting physician, a patient who wishes to make a declaration may lack capacity, the attending physician shall refer the patient to a consultant psychiatrist, or a psychologist, who shall be independent of the attending and consulting physicians, for an opinion as to the patient’s capacity.
(2) No assistance to end the patient’s life may be given unless the consultant psychiatrist or the psychologist has determined that the patient does not lack capacity.
This is the part that I can see that will bring in most controversy, there is an organisation which is dedicating itself to be the voice of the people. Their website, care not killing , if these people are wanting to portray an image of care and love, I think they were badly advised about their website name as this doesn't put forward the correct image, but that's the name they chose. The mention that their could be a new shipman out their? Have they read the bill? There is a requirement for 2 independent doctors to evaluate the patient, so you can't have one lone doctor offering the 'service'.(1) If, in the opinion of either the attending or the consulting physician, a patient who wishes to make a declaration may lack capacity, the attending physician shall refer the patient to a consultant psychiatrist, or a psychologist, who shall be independent of the attending and consulting physicians, for an opinion as to the patient’s capacity.
(2) No assistance to end the patient’s life may be given unless the consultant psychiatrist or the psychologist has determined that the patient does not lack capacity.
I agree that there maybe loopholes in the bill, but that's why it's debated, so that you can at least see where they are, and hopefully find a compromise, or solution to the problem. The ultimate problem for the people who are against this bill, is that they may have a fear of death it's self.
In the meantime people who are desperate as quite a few people have, have to go to Switzerland
Either way, the bill didn't get passed, but will get reviewed by the Lords in 6 months time.
Other sources:
Lords block assisted dying bill
Dying with Dignity.
BBC Panorama - A good time to say Goodbye?
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