Euthanasia and the Search for Morality

zeroseven, When I was seven my sister (20 months older and very much bigger and stronger) tried to suffocate me while I was lying ill in bed. The experience of being unable to breathe because a pillow was being held onto my face was horrible; full of panic and terror. Janice

If I had a child who I knew was close to death and could not survive, and was screaming in pain, and there were no analgesics (all conditions that are obviously implied by the statement), then I would consider putting a pillow over its face. It would be cruel not to. It's a question of whether I would have the guts to do it. zeroseven

Another problem with euthanasia is that if it is legalized, it will start out voluntary. Then the government will find some way of enforcing it on "burdens on society." Then the reasons for it will be revised to include anything that taxes the economy, such as any kind of terminal illness. There's no limit to how far this can go. Since we're now getting into universal healthcare, which will look for ways of cutting costs, euthanasia will be seen as a solution. Maybe that's what will lead to its legalization. paintducksred, If you don't believe in intrinsic human worth, where do you derive the value of euthanasia for which you long? After all, if you value euthanasia because it relieves suffering, why should you care, since a person suffering has no intrinsic worth? So I gather that what you're really saying is that euthanasia is worth more than human life. Got it. CannuckianYankee

One of Ironside's grandchildren will have the duty to suffocate her with a pillow when she becomes very very ill. No regret!!! Enezio E. De Almeida Filho

Just stopping a few random particles from reacting together. What's the big deal? I fear the intelligencia more than any other group. A lot of smarts, little wisdom. ellijacket

I for one reject the doctrine of intrinsic human worth. Indeed, I have none. I long for the day when euthanasia is universally accepted. paintducksred

"If Ironside had a child who was in terrible pain, she would hold a pillow over its head, as she would for any living creature that was suffering." After all, her son is just another animal; why should she treat him differently? The logic of Darwinism strikes again. Barry Arrington