No -- I'm not thinking of euthanasia for myself!
Not here, not now. No need, no interest. It's just that having an aggressive cancer makes me think of these things. Being who I am makes me write about these things. This is the blog for all of my life-and-death-related writings. So, euthanasia:
I am a strong supporter of euthanasia. I believe that any person -- adult, capable of making informed decisions -- should have the right to end their own life. Or not. By their own choice.
Step One: register your intent.
Go to the RBDE&M -- the Registrar of Births, Deaths, Euthanasia and Marriages -- and record your intent to be euthanased. RBDE&M have several roles:
... They record your intent and pass the information to your GP. The GP may then provide advice or counselling or support, as required.
... They keep in touch with you to ensure that you do not suddenly disappear to the locked garret of the family mansion.
... They may inform police that, although you are dead, you are not currently recorded as planning for your own euthanasia.
Step Two: your intent is confirmed by your GP.
... Your GP confirms that you appear to be of sound mind and not acting under external pressure.
... "Your GP" may, in fact, be a specialist in the euthanasia field.
... Your informed intent is recorded by RBDE&M.
Step Three: inform your next of kin.
Did I miss "step 2a: justify your own euthanasia"? No! Do you want to die? You have the right to die. It's your life, you may choose to end it. There is no need to justify your own decision. A good process will protect your choice. It will also protect some of the other people who may be affected. So:
Step Three: inform your next of kin.
"Next of kin" has a broad definition. Yes, it is your immediate family. It may also include groups of which you are a member. Groups which may -- for example -- see euthanasia as a being immoral. Especially if *allowing* euthanasia is also immoral. I'll cut to the chase and call these groups, "your church".
... Inform your immediate family. Allow them to support you -- or to reject you. While you are still alive to, in turn, support them. Or, at least, to answer questions.
... Inform your church. Gain their approval for your euthanasia.
... If you cannot gain approval from your church -- you must leave the church. You do not have the right to involve others in an act which they consider to be immoral.
... RBDE&M will support you if your church "refuses" to let you leave.
Step Four: prepare for euthanasia... and wait.
... Get the equipment for your euthanasia. Whatever is your choice as the means to end your own life. Other people may be involved. Euthanasia -- including assisted euthanasia -- is legal.
... And now: wait. There is always a compulsory cooling-off period!
Step Five: kill yourself.
"Kill yourself"? Isn't that just a bit blunt?! Well, yes, intentionally. Euthanasia is the act of choosing death over life. There is no return. Don't try to sugar-coat your decision. You have made your decision, you have followed the essential steps.
... Kill yourself.
You may do it yourself or you may be assisted. You may be alone or in company. Whatever form of euthanasia you choose: do it.
... Or: take yourself off the RBDE&M intent-to-be-euthanased list.
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Believe it or not, this is what I think about while I'm enjoying a run this afternoon. I ran 5km yesterday, I run another 5km today. Today... it feels just a little bit harder... Yes, two days in a row is hard running :-)
The weather is beautiful. The park is beautiful. There are some late Spring flowers though not as many flowers as a few weeks ago.
I enjoy my run. And I think about the right of every person to be able to choose euthanasia. Or not.
No, I am not considering euthanasia for myself. However, I have no moral objections. I believe that euthanasia should be a universal right. An individual right. With individuals able to opt in... or not. Without compromising the moral standards of others.
You have a right to choose to die. You are under no obligation to explain your reasons. You have the responsibility to inform -- to help prepare -- your next of kin. You have no right to force anyone else to be involved in any action which they consider to be immoral.
Heavy stuff!
I hope my next post will be lighter :-)
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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
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Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
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"No one said they wanted faster horses, they wanted less horseshit." … no, not said by Henry Ford
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Now much more than a clever name for a holiday journal:
I agree.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Col