Assisted suicide, Kevorkian, Dr Nitschke

***The whole reason of this blog is to encourage discussion of end of life decisions not to advocate or encourage euthanasia or assisted suicide***

In all honesty when certain diseases approach the point where the health is greatly comprised and It's becoming more of an issue just to make it through the day the appeal of assisted suicide seems greater than at other times.

I've watched quite a few programs about Assisted Suicide on YouTube that originally aired on BBC and PBS or other international channels. The controversy of euthanasia and assisted suicide goes beyond borders and timezones. It's being discussed and should be discussed. It's being discussed by families, legislators, in churches and court rooms.

It's heartwrenching seeing someone commit suicide or knowing what they are planning to do but at the same time I've never faced a disease that will slowly kill me. Or a disease that will steal every voluntary and involuntary movement eventually suffocating me, while my mind is intact.

Earlier in my life I was pro-life and considered abortion, suicide or euthanasia appalling. After working in nursing for 12 years and seeing some diseases, I'm more open minded. No I couldn't assist a suicide or witness the act but at the same time I couldn't condemn their choice either if they are facing a horrible diagnosis. And I could never consider it for myself.  But that's my choice.

At one time I considered Dr Kevorkian a murderer but because of Kevorkian people began to talk about a taboo subject. People are more willing to discuss end of life choices such as withholding medical procedures such as life support, tube feeding, Intravenous fluids , and no CPR.

If your facing a life threatening illness put your wishes in writing, appoint a trusting medical power of attorney to speak for you if you become unable to and discuss your decisions with family. 

Euthanasia , Exit International,Kevorkian, Dr Nitschke and Australia

*Sorry for being so quiet on this particular blog but I've been dealing with my own health issue (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus).  The whole purpose of this blog is to encourage people to talk about and discuss with their families their wishes just incase they face a terminal illness or unable to voice their wishes later on.I AM IN NO WAY ADVOCATING OR ENCOURAGING ANYONE TO COMMIT SUICIDE.*

Dr Nitschke is an interesting man that causes controversy each and every day. He can't visit or speak anywhere without his motive being questioned and his baggage being searched. When he holds his "end of life" workshop around the world, he isn't speaking to younger people.  The average age of those seeking guidance about suicide is 70 years old. Please keep in mind he isn't just discussing suicide at his "end of life" workshops. He discusses:

*Living Wills
*Medical Power of Attorney
*Hospice and Palliative Care
* The laws about Physician Suicide
* Suicide

During the actual "End of Life" workshops Dr Nitschke carefully watches his wording, to not openly break the laws. Any individual seeking advice on actually committing suicide is spoken to privately.  In a way Dr Nitschke is like Dr Kevorkian, except Dr. Kevorkian was present and participated during the Physician Assisted Suicide.

Dr Nitschke like Dr Kevorkian has invented machines for the self administration of poisons or deadly gases, for the sole purpose of committing suicide. But unlike Kevorkian he's not usually present during the actual suicides. There is a fine line between Physician Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia he is not willing to cross. 

Dr Kevorkian set up machines and the person wishing to commit suicide pushed the button themselves but he was present during the actual act of committing suicide. Dr Kevorkian helped many people this way except the last suicide he was present at.  Dr Kevorkian administered the lethal injection to Thomas Youk himself. Even though Youk was in the later stages of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis),  Dr Kevorkian was found guilty of Second Degree Homicide.  He served 8 years in prison.  Kevorkian's arrest and conviction was due to the fact Youk's suicide was broadcast on 60 minutes two months after his death.

Because of Kevorkian and his actions helping more than 130 people commit suicide, people started talking about a subject that was once taboo. It is no longer discussed in dark alleys or a corner of a room. It's on the news and in newspapers.  It's on the internet and talk radio.  The whole point is it's being discussed . The right to Assisted Suicide is available in Oregon and Washington (state). It recently passed legislation in Vermont also. The Death with Dignity act in Montana has been repelled, so assisting someone to commit suicide in Montana is now illegal. The Death with Dignity Act is Kevorkian's legacy as it will be Nitschke's in Australia.

To be continued at a later date......