[Doug]

I believe that Simon’s response to this post says as much as can be said in this very difficult subject.

Anyone one who as had to endure watching a loved one pass away in pain and discomfort will understand how easy it is to be torn apart by wanting to keep them with us and praying to our chosen God to end their suffering.

I believe no one individual as the right to end life in this manner; nor should anyone have this heavy burden of responsibility placed on their shoulders by another. However, that’s not to say that one can’t assist in providing an appropriate method that would allow the sufferer to bring about there own end. It is difficult for me to understand why in this day and technological age that anyone should end their days in pain and discomfort as the means and methods of pain control are so advanced today and readily available.

I spent over eight years working as an Auxiliary Nurse in a Geriatric Hospital “an often miss used term that has now past into disuse” Much of that time was spent working the night shift which would include sitting with those who were about to pass to spirit. Our role was to provide the comfort and dignity that ensured that no one faced their death alone, particularly if the family themselves could not be there. Pain control for those in pain and distress was paramount and the management of pain control was never allowed to slip.