I think they should be allowed to make that decision, especially in the case of degenerative diseases where health professionals cannot do anything other than try to make them comfortable whilst watching them slowly die. I can understand that. It's not an easy decision, but having seen the pain individuals with certain diseases/disorders go through in the later stages then i'd rather they were allowed to take their life and be afforded the same dignity we give our pets than forced to live on in a manner that emotionally upsets them. I don't think it's the option God would want, but I cannot judge them unfavourably for making that decision.
The UK still retains a legal difference between suicide and murder.
Ethically their is a further distinction between active suicide- seeking to delibertly causing ones own death and passive by refusing extra-ordinary medical means of prolonging life.
UK Medical ethics do allow the use of strong analgesics to eliviate pain. They may have the unintended consequence of shortening life and hastening death but if the intent is to reduce pain then this is not murder.
There is also a presumption that Dr's can solve all types of physical pain- sadly this is not so. The stronger drugs can limit life.
The Warnock Report, BMA ethical guidelines and similar are useful to read. You should be able to access them in main libraries in the UK in the philosophy/ethics sections.
__________________ " I may be on the side of the angels...but don't think for one second that I am one of them." Sherlock. I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, he can work through anyone. St. Francis- but apt.
Suicide is a sin and can be a mortal sin. That said, only God knows the circumstances of each individual person who chooses to end their own life. If that person is in severe mental distress or something then God may very well choose to have mercy on that person and allow them in to Heaven.
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"We've had enough of exhortations to be silent! Cry out with a hundred thousand tongues. I see that the world is rotten because of silence." - Saint Catherine of Siena
Suicide that is permitted by God is asking God to take one's life. See Jonah and Elijah's prayer.
Originally Posted by Ave Maria
Suicide is a sin and can be a mortal sin. That said, only God knows the circumstances of each individual person who chooses to end their own life. If that person is in severe mental distress or something then God may very well choose to have mercy on that person and allow them in to Heaven.
Well said.
__________________ John 8:24 unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
Luke 13:3, 5 unless you are repentant, you will... perish.
Matthew 18:3 and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you... become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
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