I know people that were given high amounts of morphine to not only ease their horrible pain but to help bring an end to the misery they were suffering from. I would not hesitate to allow this treatment if I knew there was no hope from the suffering.

 

^ This is what happened with my mother. She had been in pain management for back pain and was in a gradual physical decline (no mental issues of any kind - sharp as a tack at 93), but had a stroke in the facility where she was living. All meds were removed except for high doses of morphine. She lasted six days (the staff were amazed since the usual time is no more than two) and died peacefully.

 

May she rest in peace. Same situation with my Mom. Why make them suffer any longer if there is no hope.

 

There are folks who are teetering on the edge and are given the gentle nudge as described.
There is also the set of folks though who are miserable and suffering with no hope in sight.
While the physical systems may work for quite a while, they are by no means living, just enduring the daily pain and agony
They should be allowed relief as well on their terms at the time of their choosing.

 

I can understand all the sentiments expressed here but I do struggle with "the loss of the sanctity of life." You see it in all of nature, as well as in human beings.
It is one thing for someone to give up of living, another for someone to take their own life or choosing to have it taken from them.
It is a very small step for society between allowing a person to choose to end their life and "somebody" deciding to end someone's life. (They may be well meaning, or may be not so well meaning.)
How many of us have been close to death? My experience was certainly one of desiring to live. Admittedly I was a lot younger than I am now but I don't think I know how I will respond when the time comes. I was much surprised that "life" was so important.

 

I understand the argument but at what point are we simply imposing a cruel standard
that someone must continue to suffer each and every hour of each and every day?
How much pain is enough?
There is the sanctity of life but let us not forget the sanctuary of death.

 

A woman that has worked for our company for 29 years (I only had met here a couple of times a while back... very nice lady) and was planning to retire soon passed yesterday in a head on collision on her way to work.

Don't take it for granted folks. She could have been 20 or 60, we just don't know when it can happen.

I have only half jokingly told my co-workers that if they ever see me grasping my chest at work, throw me outside first ... I will be damned if the last thing I see is the inside of my office

 

I'd tell my coworkers the opposite, drag me inside and dump me in my office.
If I pass away while at work my wife gets an extra year of salary from my work insurance.