Assisted Dying, isn't it time Atheists get this right?

Hi BFG,

Thanks for posting here. Its good to read that your treatment is going well. 

While you wait to hear other members thoughts on the topic, I thought Id share this link by BMA regarding the current law and a legislative proposal for the UK that you may be interested to read. The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.

This is a very complex topic but one that should be able to be spoken about in safe and trusted spaces. I hope you are able to have a helpful and constructive conversation.

Hi Dylan, 

Many thanks for your post and for the link, very interesting.

Take care.

It definitely is a complex topic and having just been successfully treated for cancer it is a subject that I have thought about.

I keep an eye on and receive a e-newsletter from Dignity in Dying . They have a website with plenty of information 

THere are a number of alleged issues around assisted dying. These arguments tend to be put forward by small interest groups and some religious groups. The arguments are typically well crafted and take account particularly of legal-cum-moral issues rather than ethical issues. In moral terms they tend to be absolutist rather than relative. Many 'western' societies prefer an absolutist moral position and find it hard to accept/understand/appreciate a moral relitavist position. Thus the arguments start with 'this is absolutely right/wrong' and then justify the argument rather than considering the issues, considerations, concerns, etc. and discussing them in a balanced and sensible way. The problem with moral relativism is that you could find, indeed are likely to find, that you have to consider a much broader range and depth of argument and you may need to change your point of view and your understanding. People as a rule don't like doing this. Add to this the emotive content of assisted dying and the rise and rise of the grostesque motif 'saving lives'. (I traced the modern origin of this motif to the lat 1800s and identified the primary institution operationalising this motif. It is extraordinarily anthropocentric for all the wrong reasons and lacking in substance. It is a powerful instrument in the use of power.)

I have been an Atheist all my adult life. I don't know what is the right way to explain this. To me, inflicting prolonged life on somebody who doesn't want to live has parallels with inflicting death upon someone who does want to live. 

I have to say that I still curse Harold Shipman. Without that murderer, we might have an equitable agreement by now. Nonetheless, as we work and campaign for better laws, it is absolutely critical that we listen carefully to the objections of those that have the opposite or different views. They do have a point that gold standard palliative care for all would be a massive benefit. 

Makes sense to me. My parents are ultra religious and have watched their parents a siblings go through horrific pain and suffering and sitting by their bedside hoping for death to end suffering. As a cancer sufferer myself, my son,my best friend asked me "Dad. Do you want to live". Truthfully I replied "Yes". I want to live,not merely exist. We would not allow our much loved pets to suffer. Sorry for rant. Funnily this forum lifts my spirits...especially about availability of Wi-Fi  after death.