At what point can someone end their own life?

[GeneralElectric]

A French court has rejected a request from a 52-year-old severely disfigured former schoolteacher for the right to die, in a case that has stirred much emotion in France.

The high court in Dijon, eastern France, decided to side with the prosecution which argued current legislation does not allow Chantal Sebire’s doctor to prescribe lethal drugs.

In her appeal to the court, Ms Sebire said she did not want to endure further pain and subject herself to an irreversible worsening of her condition. She asked the court to allow her doctor to help her end her life.

A mother of three who lives in the Bourgogne region of eastern France, Ms Sebire drew a strong outpour of sympathy when she appealed in a television interview last month for the right to “depart peacefully”.

Before-and-after pictures of the woman, her face severely deformed, have been featured in the press and her account of frightened children who run away at the sight of her has drawn sympathy.

Ms Sebire learnt in 2002 that she had developed an esthesioneuroblastoma, an uncommon malignant tumour in the nasal cavity, which she said has led to “atrocious” suffering.

“In 2000, I lost the sense of smell and taste … and I lost my sight in October 2007,” she said in the television interview.

“One would not allow an animal to go through what I have endured,” she said before urging President Nicolas Sarkozy to intervene and grant her request.

Commenting on the case, Justice Minister Rachida Dati said last week doctors were not there to prescribe lethal drugs.

Legislation adopted in 2005 allows families to request life-support equipment for a terminally-ill patient be switched off, but does not allow a doctor to take action to end a patient’s life.

Mr Sarkozy asked his chief adviser on health issues to contact Ms Sebire and seek a second opinion on her condition.

Ms Sebire has said she will not appeal the decision rendered today and she would find life-terminating drugs through other means.

“I now know how to get my hands on what I need and if I don’t get it in France, I will get it elsewhere,” she said.

Only 200 cases of the disease have been recorded worldwide in two decades.

http://www.bad-news-day.com/chantal-...plea-rejected/


Reading this article has got me thinking, at what point does one have a right to end their own life? When someone gets to a point of enough suffering, isn't it more humane to let them die peacefully?

[Munjibunga]

Any time you want.

[GeneralElectric]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Any time you want.

Thats what Hunter S. Thompson said. If he couldn't leave life at anytime he'd feel trapped.

[RedCoatMonster]

Its YOUR life, no one elses. But people have to remember that the taking of their own lives have effects on families and friends, very deep ones. In this womans case, it is unthinkable that she wasnt granted the mercy she deserves.

[natselection]

do any animals besides humans have the ability to end their own life, willingly?

[TrooperFarva]

Originally Posted by natselection

do any animals besides humans have the ability to end their own life, willingly?

Lemmings?

[GeneralElectric]

Originally Posted by natselection

do any animals besides humans have the ability to end their own life, willingly?

Penguins

[Benjamin Strange]

You think you're free to do what you want? Think again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTOQhPd2Xh4

You should be allowed to die if you want. Why not?

If I end up trying to kill myself illegally, I hope I don't have to pay for a ticket from the grave.

[funkalicious101]

Originally Posted by natselection

do any animals besides humans have the ability to end their own life, willingly?

I would like to think that humans' lives are more complicated than the average animal's.

I believe once your life has become detrimental to yourself and others, and once you have gained approval from everyone who it could possibly hurt, then I would have little quarrels with one ending their own life.

I still dont like the idea of someone ending their life, unless to help another, but I strongly believe in freewill.

[GeneralElectric]

I don't personally believe in ending my own life, but I think people should still have the option to.

[Mon Rominee]

Freewill is freewill. Ultimately it is up to only you whether you have to answer to anyone before doing so...

Personally I find it a tragic and ultimately selfish act to come to conclusion to, but again, your call.

[Valerus]

My God! Let that lady go! That looks so horrific and painful.

[Mon Rominee]

That poor poor woman. I would not want her to suffer if she didn't want to. I apologise for having not read the article beforehand, but my thoughts remain.

[GeneralElectric]

Originally Posted by Mon Rominee

That poor poor woman. I would not want her to suffer if she didn't want to. I apologise for having not read the article beforehand, but my thoughts remain.

This is why we should read the OP

I respect your viewpoint though and I can see where you're coming from. I think though that when a person is suffering so much, and there is little chance of recovery, they can opt out of life when there is a strong possibility that their suffering is going to get worse.

[TrooperFarva]

The future can't get here fast enough

[Mon Rominee]

Originally Posted by GeneralElectric

This is why we should read the OP

I respect your viewpoint though and I can see where you're coming from. I think though that when a person is suffering so much, and there is little chance of recovery, they can opt out of life when there is a strong possibility that their suffering is going to get worse.

Right, I meant the article in regards to the pictures...I had read what you quoted, I just had no idea until someone commented about the pics.

And I am in agreement with what you are saying...my latter comments came in regards to the loved ones involved...but in this case, like with many a terminal illness, yes, as long as said person has made peace with the ones they love, they should be able to pull the plug...definitely. The State should not be able to intervene, it's a form of cruel punishment.

[GeneralElectric]

Originally Posted by Mon Rominee

Right, I meant the article in regards to the pictures...I had read what you quoted, I just had no idea until someone commented about the pics.

My mistake.

[Mon Rominee]

No worries bro...trivial compared to what this woman has to endure.

[ryco]

In the state of Oregon the voters have won the "Right to Die" assisted suicide law two times.
The feds have overturned this vote each time threatening prison for the Drs prescribing drugs or assisting in the process.

Like the woman in the article says, she can get these drugs by other means.
My heart goes out to her

[unclejam]

i'd give her the gun to do it

obviously she's in pain(humane is humane)