Shoutbox

I'm from the Netherlands, and that's a country that goes very far in legalizing things like this. When correct procedures are followed (thorough talks with patient and family/friends, a different doctor has to give his opinion etc.), it is legal to let a patient die, if his suffering seems unendable (no hopes for reasonable medical recovery).

I totally support this. Someone mentioned in the thread about suicide that life was a gift, and not a given right. I didn't want to go in discussion about that here, but I disagree with that comment. I see my life as a right: it is my choice to do with it what I want to, even if that includes death. The way it was said in the other thread made me think of obligations: I gave it to you and now you're stuck with it, no matter what. I don't understand that; don't want to accept it.

From my point of view, I think nobody should commit suicide. I'm a teenager myself, and have never considered it. I like my life, though it isn't very spectacular. But does that mean that it's not worth it? Life can be what you make of it. And when you've made the best of it, and somehow ended up with an untreatable disease, I think it's more than acceptable if you want to end it in a way you seem fit. I haven't thought about euthanasia for myself very thoroughly, but I can imagine that, if my life should end up like a worst-case-scenario, I'd consider euthanasia.

I don't say that this is now the way we should all end, and of course, strict rules have to apply for things like this. But I'm in favour of the possibility.