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Originally Posted by vorlon24
The main problem is where the beliefs of the doctor conflict with those of the patient - the fact that someone is Roman Catholic is irrelevant as far as the patient is concerned.
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The beliefs of the medical staff are completely irrelevant at this moment in time. Their practices have to comply with the law of the land. We all know that euthanasia occurs one way or another either by a relative, carer or abroad. I believe that if I was in a position of total dependence and pain which I knew to be terminal, I would want some kindly soul to help me out. Many doctors and nurses feel the same way, but it is really not worth trying to end it for someone as you would lose everything if you did. The only thing that medical staff can do is impose a not for resuscitation order or switch off ventilators (like they did recently with the baby with Edwards syndrome) This means that if someone who is terminally ill and in hospital dies, no measures are taken to resuscitate them. If you are in decent health and have, for example, had an operation and your heart stops measures will be taken to resuscitate you because you have the chance of complete recovery and a decent quality of life.
It is the 'not for resus' orders that cause problems for some families who cannot accept that their loved ones have no chance. That's why these cases end up in court..
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Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.
The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my family, friends, employer, this site, my neighbours, hairdresser, dentist, GP, next door's dog or anyone else who knows me..
