[Doug]

Contradiction or interpretation?

I would argue that it’s ok for an individual to commit suicide if that’s what they desire rather than undergo the pain, distress or torment of facing a life of uncertainty. I say uncertainty because I am aware of a number of clients who have lived that life and have accepted and adapted to the conditions around them, I am also more than aware of a number of others who have not. What I have tried to say is that I don’t believe that the burden of responsibility shouldn’t be placed on another individual. If two parties agree then it a private matter, but who wins the argument If the sufferer imposes there will on a relative or friend who does not want to assist in the taking of a love ones life, I think that is morally and ethically wrong.

If on the other hand the individual wants to commit suicide that’s a private matter, great hurt will still be suffered by those left behind, but they won’t have the burden of taking part in what is effectively manslaughter at the least and murder at the extreme in the eyes of common law. Evan if it is made legal would an individual suffer guilt and remorse for the rest of there life as a result of participating in the act of assisting someone else to die.

No one individual can argue every individual merit of what is and is not right in an issue of this nature, all one can do is state our opinion and hope that we don’t cause undue distress to other by doing so. I think your wrong in your appraisal of my argument but that is you right and you are not hurting anyone by exercising that right.

The later part of your argument is valid of that I have little doubt, but people should exercise due care before recounting any experiences or knowledge of such practices.