BLOODLETTING & MIRACULOUS CURES

Personally, I support assisted suicide with the proper guidance from family and friends, as well as extensive consultation between the patient and the doctor. The issue of compassionate dying has touched my life and affected my perspective on this. I had a cousin who was born with only a partially formed heart and what appeared to be an abnormal growth at the top of her spine. After two months it became evident that there was also some brain malfunction and the lack of development of her heart meant that her chances of survival were slim. Her heart could not support her growing body. While they made great efforts to try to save her, her parents finally had to come to the realization that the outcome was grave. Her lungs and heart continued to fail and she began to experience pain and respiratory distress. To manage these issues, morphine was given in large doses, and eventually to the point where it most likely became the compassionate approach to ending her suffering. Nothing was ever said, or acknowledeged, but the probable reality was that the Drs decided to make the most compassionate choice for both baby and parents who were suffering considerable strain in the situation. After 3 months, they let her go. Had my uncle and aunt not allowed her to go, the stress of constant hospitals and specialists could have caused the marriage to break, had negative health effects on them,  and the fate of their family could have been totally different. Now, they have 4 children, and live a happy life holding the memory of Heather. Understanding the situation and the impact that it had on the parents and their other child who was 4 at the time, has led me to the agreement that there are times when the struggle doesn't make sense and the quality of life of those who live on should be taken into consideration as well.

 

Additionally, my mother's uncle suffered from ALS, a disease where the brain is fully functioning, but the body cannot be controlled. A sufferer of ALS has to endure the torture of living in a body that cannot perform in the ways the mind wants, which can become extremely frustrating and distressing. Like Sue Rodriguez, who took her case before the Court,  my mom's uncle would have preferred to die with dignity instead of suffering through until the disease finally claimed him.  Situations like these are why I believe assisted suicide should be legal under certain circumstances, with great consideration, guidance, and consult between the patient, doctors, and family or friends of the patient.