HELP! KILL ME!
By Ruth Alawas
“Dear
Ruth, thanks for asking how I am. I’m terrible! So terrible! You asked how you
could help me this time. Yes, I badly need your help. Help me to die. I really
want to die! The past weeks have been really terrible. I decided to end my life
so I asked my doctor to sedate me with Pentobarbital. He was unsuccessful…I
only got unconscious for hours. haha. You see Ruth, I have been suffering with
bipolar problem for the past years. I can hear voices all around. People are talking
about me, laughing at me and even suspecting about me. The last voice I heard
was if I really want peace in life, I must die. This seems crazy to you, but
it’s true. I’m a crazy, crazy woman! With bipolar, I can be very violent. I can
hurt others, I can hurt myself. I have already beaten up my sister so she has
to leave me. I am alone now. Counseling doesn’t help. Medicines don’t help as
well. They just agitate me. I am hopeless Ruth. I don’t know if somebody could
ever help. I’ve been thinking about death. I wanted my misery to end. I am just
so tired. This suffering is too much now! I want to die! A doctor is willing to
help me get sedated again. I hope he will be successful this time. If not, I
really have to do it myself. Ruth, I hope you will understand why I am doing
this. I am just so tired!!! Ruth, tired is an understatement!!!. It is better
to die than to suffer from this depressing problem all my life. I can’t take it
anymore… So, what do you think Ruth? Please help me.”
With
my friend’s email, I was really confronted about the issues of suicide
(assisted or not) or mercy killing or euthanasia, whatever we call it. I came
to a crisis of belief whether or not suffering people have the right to demand
for their death. Should we preserve the life of a person basically because he
lives with us and God made him, even though he is suffering, he is handicapped,
impaired, or ill? Should we be influenced by his personal decision that he
wanted to die?
Euthanasia which is
also ‘mercy killing’ is applied to a condition “where a patient is suffering
severely or is enduring a terminal illness or ‘the intentional killing by act
or omission of a person whose life is felt to be not worth living’”. [1]
“Euthanasia, whether
passive (letting die) or active (mercy killing), can be (a) voluntary- with the
fully informed consent of the patient, (b) involuntary – against the will or
wishes of the patient, or (c) non-voluntary- without the consent of the
patient, in circumstances where the patient is in an irreversible comatose
state and has failed to give any prior indication about what his or her wishes
might be.” [2]
Proponents of
Euthanasia Say:
We need it - ‘the
compassion argument’. A dignified death is better and kinder than letting them prolong
their lives with suffering. We want it - ‘the autonomy argument’. Every person/patient has a right
to choose when and how to die. We
can control it - ‘the
public policy argument’. The government legislation can carefully regulate
euthanasia. [3]
Opponents of Euthanasia
Say:
“Alternative treatments are available-
we do not have to kill the patient to kill the symptoms. Nearly all pain
can be relieved. There is no ‘right’ to be killed- opening the doors to
voluntary euthanasia could lead to non-voluntary and involuntary euthanasia by
giving doctors the power to decide when a patient’s life is not worth living. The
assumption that patients should have a right to die would impose on doctors a
duty to kill thus restricting the autonomy of the doctor. Also, a
‘right to die’ for some people might well become a ‘duty to die’ by others,
particularly those who are vulnerable or dependent upon others.” [4]
The
Bible Say:
Aside from 2 Samuel 1 where King Saul
requested a soldier to kill him, the Bible is totally silent about euthanasia.
In Genesis 1: 26-27 it says, we are
made in the image of God and so our lives are exceptionally precious.
Our life is God’s valuable and priceless gift. We should be good stewards of
God’s gifts. Exodus 20:13 says we should not murder. Job 33:4
says God gives us life. He determines our days and months (Job 14:5). God is Sovereign. He knows
when and how we should die.
WE Say:
·
Is
it ever right to end the life of an incurably ill patient who is going through
severe pain and suffering?
·
In
what situations can euthanasia be justifiable?
·
Is
there a moral or ethical difference between killing a person and letting him
die?
·
Should
people (especially Christians) have the right to decide on issues of life and death? [5]
Would you kindly leave a comment
about this issue by giving your personal opinion or by answering any of the questions posted?
By the way, my friend is still alive. The doctor sedated her to unconsciousness then brought her to a rehabilitation facility where she is being taken care of.
Bibliography
[2] Wennberg, Robert N. Terminal Choices: Euthanasia, Suicide, and the Right to Die. Exeter, UK:
Wm. B.Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989.
against#sthash.otSYssBX.dpuf
against#sthash.otSYssBX.dpuf
First, I would like to say that I am not in
ReplyDeletefavor of Euthanasia except in very extreme
circumstances (I meant the redundancy of the
superative degree to give emphasis on the
extremeness of the circumstance).
I say that there is no moral or ethical
difference between killing a person and
letting him die. This is because the element
of decision is present in both. Thus, one can
kill a person by letting the person die
because of the overt act of killing or by
passively letting a person die. As even our
Criminal Laws, ommission and commission are
punished. Euthanasia presupposes that a
patient-doctor relationship already exist. So
one cannot say that a doctor has committed
Euthanasia by just letting a patient die, if
the doctor does not know the condition of a
patient.
Proponents of Euthanasia say that government
legislation can regulate it. It, however
implies a great burden to doctors or medical
practitioners, whatever the case may be.
The burden now is shifted to the doctors or
medical practitioners, who may not be
comfortable with 'killing' mercifully, yet is
required to do such act otherwise will be
administratively and criminally liable. That
is what is meant by the regulation of state.
When human laws try to maintain peace and
order just to preserve the life of the people
in a State, why then should a law be passed
regulating mercy killing of a patient? Death
penalty is even suspended in our country
because death of a criminal, as many say, is
not for the State to decide. If it is cruel
to prolong the agony of a patient because of
severe pain, is it not also cruel to ask a
another person (doctors/md) to take the life
of a patient, when as a medical expert he/she
knows that life can still be guaranteed to
the former?
In the question should people (especially
Christians) have the right to decide on
issues of life and death? I say that it is
not a matter of right as it is not guaranteed
in our Constituion nor the Bible expressly or
indirectly states so. I say that we have an
obligation to bring life to people. We know
that life is more than just breathing and
contributing to the society as life or death
continues to eternity. In the story above, I
somehow felt that Euthanasia had become the
resort of the patient who no longer have
drive to live. You may disagree but I see
Euthanasia in this particular situation as
suicide. The patient does not have the
courage to kill herself so she asks for her
doctor to do it. Don't get me wrong, I am
also saddened by her situation, I felt her
frustration and care for the people around
her that ending her life seem to be for the
better of everyone. I just truly hope that
the HOPE from Jesus will be so real to her
and to people undergoing the same situation.
By the way, I agree with Euthanasia only when
the patient is already 'brain dead.'
There certainly are many issues to consider
in Euthanasia such as finances and I say
that it remains an ethical issue because it
clearly is still not within our standard of
morality. By 'our' I mean to say 'the people
at large.' In human terms, morality may
change because it is determined by society.
But I haven't heard any cultures yet, where
the majority have agreed, that taking the
life of a patient is moral.
Posted by Charmainne Mel Napadao
A very thin line exists between the the legality or rightness of doing "mercy killing" and not doing it because it is illegal & wrong. That's why it a very sensitive issue to discuss or even to face it as a choice when in a difficult and painful situation that the finite human mind can afford to take or the heart and body can bear.
ReplyDeleteAs a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I believed that our life is in the sovereign Lord's hand. Because He is the one who has the right over it and not us.
I cannot relate this time to those who are in situations that euthanasia is given as a choice or last option to address unbearable pain (emotional, mental and physical) that science can no longer alleviate or cure. It must be a difficult, grueling life saga for one to got through. But i strongly recognize the power of the One who is the ultimate Life-giver, the one who can heal whatever afflictions man could have and the one who gives lasting and living hope...
I would still not resort to mercy killing but will recognize that in the cul-de-sac of our life God is always there to bring us through! -jtparas
What if, after many failed alternative treatment of my sickness, excruciating pain and drained finances, mercy killing is presented to me, will I subject myself to it? I will not hesitate. What if a love one is in that same condition, will I approve it? I will not. Can we legislate its legitimacy? Or enact into law its "rightness"? We can. But will it guarantee sound sleep, normal way of life and enriched souls? I do not know.
ReplyDeleteShould I take a black and white stand that it is either ethical or not? I rather not. Will I have the conviction to stand by it? I am sure not. Or if I take the "it depends" side, will I be violating the fundamental principles I lived by for convenience?
My answers indicate my double standard with regard to euthanasia and I cannot trust my own judgment. I once prayed for God to put into sleep "a lola" as she was suffering from a certain disease and her family can no longer attend to her special needs, and God did. I do not have a compelling reason to negate the claims of euthanasia proponents but I value life with all its pains and pleasures and the sovereignty of God in breathing life and snuffing it off. God is merciful and he knows when and how to execute it.
Every Christian should understand that God is the only one who can rightfully give and take away life. Thus, I do not agree with euthanasia, may it be passive or active, because it causes death to a person when natural death is not inevitable. But "Letting die" is a possible option - this is in the case where death is imminent and unavoidable even with medical treatment. Euthanasia seeks to give death but "letting die" avoids the prolongation of the process of death thus respecting that the timing of death ultimately comes from God.
ReplyDeletei heard of doctors who would not continue to use medical intervention if a patient is already old as the process of doing so many things on their very frail bodies would give them more discomfort, pain and let's be honest even financial distress on those looking out for them.
ReplyDeletein my mom's case, we were also faced with a very hard decision and but also made to realize in the reality that in her case, it was the machine which was doing everything. it was the most difficult decision my father and our family have to made but we did let her go.
Euthanasia is a very sensitive issue especially in our country. People relate it with killing thus raised an issue with morality.
ReplyDeleteIt’s never easy when someone is faced with a situation wherein euthanasia or mercy killing is an option. I remember how distressed my relatives were when they have to decide whether or not agree on doctors’ suggestion in removing all the medical apparatus attached on my aunt and cousin who were close to dying. Doctors said that their hearts were only beating because of the machines. Of course, my relatives have divided thoughts whether give in to mercy killing because it’s hard to bare seeing them suffer or to stay strong in their faith and let God take control. Eventually, all agreed to wait and to hope for a miracle. And if it was God’s will to take the lives of my aunt and cousin, at least they waited to God to intervene than to decide on their own.
If I will be faced with the same situation, I think I’ll do what they have done. I believe that life is a gift from the Lord and its Only Him who could take it away. Yes, it’s really painful to watch our loved ones suffering in pain; and it will be very hard if I’m the one in pain and suffering. Yet, I believe that God is able and is sovereign, there must be a good reason why He allow sufferings in our lives. Even in situation where it feels like we are in desolated or deserted land, God is able to give us joy and peace in this. Dying will be an option to have “rest” from all the sufferings of life but I think that dying is sweeter when we know we have allowed God to take control in giving us “rest” than taking our life on our own way.
God is our Healer and He is able to do miraculous things, too. What if God has a greater plan but we decided to agree on mercy killing? I know one inspiring story about this. One of our relatives got pregnant, but not knowing this, she undergone vaccination against measles. This has damaging effect with the baby, weak heart, lungs, poor eyesight, etc. Doctors also advised them to decide whether to continue with a lot of surgery and other medical operations though there were no assurance that the baby would live. A lot of people told them that the baby would rather die than to suffer more. But the family put their hope and trust God more. They’ve seen a lot of pain and suffering with their baby. Finances were great. But God gave them miracle! The baby lived and is now nine years old! Though, he’s a special child, he brings joy to their family and will forever a manifestation of God’s miracle; a result of trusting the Lord’s plan and not giving to different voices of this world.
There are any factors to consider in answering this issue. I am giving a simple answer that would probably be very difficult when faced with deep suffering and pain. I suspect that what made this issue complicated is modern medicine (in its claim ofscientific advancement and in its humanisn), in the past we dealt with suffering and mortality simply.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Euthanasia is against biblical teaching about the sacredness of life, the command “thou shall not kill” includes this issue whether suicide or administered by another. Suffering and pain does not give us the license to end our life, the pains we endure (in this case bipolar) is a symptom/result of our alienated condition from God. And the only solution is God himself, by His intervention and healing.
Our society, especially the ‘first world’, is so obsessed with comfort and ease that when discomfort occurs we think of a cure and if one isn’t found we decide to end it. Job went through a harrowing experience that would have elicited an ‘euthanasia’ option from our generation. Euthanasia is a humanistic response to the feeling of helplessness, uselessness, suffering or pain. Life has become centered on what “we” want, now!
So how does one deal with pain? On our knees trusting and depending upon God.
To me death and pain should be a natural cycle of life, accepted and endured. - WFJ
Murder is the deliberate, premeditated, and planned act of taking one's life out of ill will. With that definition, euthanasia is essentially different from murder. When a terminally ill solely depends on medical apparatus for vital functions. then that's the time to remove the life support system since his life is virtually gone and his life is just a machine. However, I do not espouse active euthanasia such as poisoning and the like. I would call this position "passive" euthanasia. it is not taking one's life but this is an abandon to the normal cycle of life. Otherwise, the situation will just drain the family financially, physically and emotionally. - JAN
ReplyDeleteYour issue is difficult, I know that God do not planed for human to kill themselves, when it come to real situation, sometimes difficult to give answer, I do not know how to answer wisely and encourage the person in problem to be strengthen and encouraged to live with strength. As a minister I have to prepare myself more, to answer this kinds of questions. Mini
ReplyDeleteIs it ever right to end the life of an incurably ill patient who is going through severe pain and suffering?
ReplyDeleteNO. It is not right to end the life of an incurably ill patient who is going through severe pain and suffering when one (who makes the decision) does not have the right to end the life of such person. As the Bible verses cited from this blog provide, all of life comes from God and is taken from us as He wills. One cannot take what he does not own.
In the case of when the patient consents to being killed, Gary R. Collins, author of "Biblical Counselling" cited a quote of a newspaper columnist who wrote, "Is life strictly one's own, to be terminated when pride or convenience dictates, or is it a gift from God, to be endured to the bitter end?"
A human right is the right to live. This is even recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A human right CANNOT BE WAIVED, because a human right is inherent in every human being. It cannot be given away, even by the human. A human right is what you have simply because you are human.
I do not think that a person who has given his consent to mercy-killing (voluntary) is considered as euthanasia. Such voluntary act is called suicide, whereby one decides to end his life on his own or kills himself. By providing the means for one to commit suicide, such person ASSISTS another to commit suicide. This is a crime under Art. 253 of the Revised Penal Code regardless of whether the suicide is consummated (which means even if the person does not die).
· In what situations can euthanasia be justifiable?
There are NO situations where euthanasia can be justifiable. Euthanasia is murder.
Philippine law defines euthanasia as the practice of painlessly putting to death a person from suffering from some incurable disease. Euthanasia is not lending assistance to suicide. In euthanasia, the person killed does not want to die. A doctor who resorts to mercy-killing of his patient may be liable for murder (Art. 248, Revised Penal Code). The elements of murder include the unlawful killing of any person. Murder is intentional killing, which fits the description of Euthanasia given above, "the intentional killing by act or omission of a person whose life is felt to be not worth living’”. [1]
· Is there a moral or ethical difference between killing a person and letting him die?
Yes, there is a big moral difference between killing a person and letting him die. In killing a person, there is the intention to end the life unlawfully. However, I have a different view on letting a person die naturally, because I do not think that this is mercy killing. Chapman asks, in the same book, "Do we have to use every technical and medical means available to keep someone alive and maybe in pain, when people in the past years would have died of natural causes?"
· Should people (especially Christians) have the right to decide on issues of life and death?
Christians, as followers of Christ, should have the right to decide on issues of life and death. As Christians, we believe that the Bible is accurate and truthful. Although the Bible does not specifically condone the act of euthanasia, it is clear that the Bible celebrates and values life, so we must also decide to celebrate and value life.
POSTED BY Kara Russanne D. Alawas
I do believe that only God has the right to take away life since it is a gift that he has bestowed to human beings in order to be used according to his purpose. The idea of euthanasia is incompatible with the idea of using life in order to glorify God. I know it is hard to decide on this topic for I have not been in such a situation where I would have to pull out the LSS from a loved one in coma. But it seems to me that arguments that favors euthanasia stems from man's desire for convenience and love for being pain free.
ReplyDeleteI say I'm against euthanasia now because I or my loved ones are not the one suffering and longing for death. Hopefully my conviction will not change if ever I will be tested. I believe it is still up to God when and how he will decide to take our lives. It should not be up to us.God also has a purpose why He allows someone to suffer first before He takes away life. Maybe the lesson is for the one suffering or it could be for the loved ones around the patient. I really don't know why God would allow longer suffering but we should trust him. If He wanted someone to die earlier then He would be doing so.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, I am Sharon. from Poland I want to use this medium to appreciate Dr Ogbeifun the great black magic death spells caster for the successful death spells he cast on someone for me. I contacted him when my husband left me for another woman who uses witchcraft power to take my husband. I was desperately in need of help when I found his contacts online about his genuine powers. I told him my situation and how I wanted the bitch who took my husband gone. He told me not to worry. He cast the death spells ritual on her and the bitch died in her sleep within 24hours. Now my husband is back home and we are living happily. Thank you so much Dr Ogbeifun, You are so real and true. Below is his contacts in case you want to contacts him
ReplyDeleteCall/WhatsApp: +2348102574680 Email: ogbefunhearlingtemple @ gmail. com