Printable View
Regarding Anoushka's reference to abortion, in my opinion it is an utterly selfish act. BUT when at an early stage of pregnancy when the scan result shows an abnormality, serious defect in the foetus, in that instance abortion has the grace of euthanasia. Ignoring selfish people who think the ailing elders a burden, euthanasia is still a necessary step in particular patients, unconscious & hopelessly beyond remedy.
I second the above opinion of PP madam.Quote:
Originally Posted by pavalamani pragasam
Abortion (at very early stage, before fetus developing sensory organs preferably) should be an acceptable solution for the victims of rape cases too.
Before writing anything whether the concept of “chosen death” or Euthanasia is right or wrong, let me explain whether we import such concepts from western countries or we had it already?
Based on my childhood experience in villages, I can say that these kinds of concepts are/were partially existed in our places too (rare incidences) . In my village, there were few old women, who are known for this kind of job. It is rarely done to the very old people, particularly when they are about to die but prolonging over the period where most of the relatives those who had come for the final ceremony, lost their patience. I heard that in such cases the death is brought by applying large amount of oil (nallennai or vilakennai) over the head. Some times I suspect (not sure!) giving water at the final moments may also induce the death by chocking the respiratory organs.
We also had the concept of “sati” “vadakirunthu uyirneethal” and preparing the death by reducing the food intake and by other means, as methods of preferred death. In most of the oriental culture, killing self or get assistance from other warrior was very common when they lose the honor or heavily injured in the war.
Then, the meaning of the term “Euthanasia” is very wide. It can’t be compared with killing. Killing means taking one’s life against his/her wish.
I am not talking about "euthanasia" or "mercy-killing" for I believe that when we cannot give life to someone we have no right to take it away. That may also be held as an argument against death penalty but that's up to you.
There are times when I ponder whether life should still be lingering in someone's body.
I personally know four or five people who are above 90 years of age who until some years ago answered the door-bell or worked in the kitchen, removing the pressure cooker off the stove and placing it on the platform and things like that.
But today a couple of them are in bed unable even to get up without assistance. Mind you, they are not ill. Just the infirmities of age.
I am all praise for the relatives of these people who stand by them, answering every summon of theirs with not a word of resentment.
r_kk, did you read through my article at the beginning of this thread?
What C_Vasi says recalls to my mind a custom we learnt about in our school books about our ancient tradition: "muthumakkaL thaazi"!
Some of the options I have heard of for "relieving a terminally ailing person at the footstep of death are 'thulasi' water & milk!
I read only the page 2. I will try to read all the posts in this thread and then give my opinion when I get some time.Quote:
Originally Posted by pavalamani pragasam
yah, I also heard about using "Milk" for this purpose (is it called "paalutruthal or the ceremony after cremation?).Quote:
Originally Posted by pavalamani pragasam
In my place, we celebrate the peaceful death of very old persons, who had lived his/her life completely. In my grandmother’s case, she had requested my father to arrange “parai” and “throwing of country sugar (vellakatti)” during her last procession. We had performed as per her wish. During last period of her life, she was mentally (detaching the attachments) and physically (reducing the food intake) prepared herself for death. I didn’t cry even for a second but still I remember her for many of her great qualities and appreciate the old village illiterate women for teaching and accepting unavoidable death.
I feel, life supporting devices or pain killers for the terminally ill patients may be helpful to make relatives (and hospitals) happy but the patient might have preferred rather death (in few cases at least) if he/she would have had any conscious to decide.
Quick question to PP and others: What is the difference between suicide and this? Is suicide a legal and moral option therefore?Quote:
Originally Posted by r_kk
In case of Suicide the moral question is "Can a person kill himself".Quote:
Originally Posted by sbadri99
While in case of euthanasia the moral questions are still complex.
1) Can a person kill himself
2) Can a person assist or perform the murder of another person with his/his relatives permission.
3) How will it effect the moral and phycology of the Health care professionals who are as of now groomed only to save life.
Exactly, Sandeep!
While suicide is ambigous enough, euthanasia is suicide plus a host of other complexities thrown in for good measure!! How then can it be a sensible option?
Should the living live with the guilt of having killed another person, albeit in deference to their wishes? :roll:
Badri,Quote:
Originally Posted by sbadri99
You are asking a very difficult question to answer. The choice is more of individual preferences, values and situations.
Let me ask two questions, even thought it may looks like out of subject.
1. Do you feel any difference between Dilipan (Tamil Eelem commander) choosing death through fasting and a useless fellow attempting suicide because of not getting ticket for a movie? Please remember that many freedom fighters and ideologist had chosen death instead of saving their own life.
2. Do you think that Governments can keep Army to legally kill or get killed in some activities which are ideologically against their policies? Do you call such act as “murder” or “suicide”?
If you can answer the above, you may partially get the reply to the questions that you had asked.