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From: cmfaltz@phoenix.princeton.edu (Christine Marie Faltz)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Euthanasia
Message-ID: <15271@handicap.news>
Date: 1 May 91 03:38:02 GMT
References: <18958@bunker.isc-br.com>
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Reply-To: cmfaltz@phoenix.princeton.edu (Christine Marie Faltz)
Organization: Princeton University
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Index Number: 15271

	I agree that without stringent precautions, euthanasia is a
scary thing for the elderly and the disabled.  However, I also believe
that should I ever, for whatever reason, feel that my life is no longer
worth living, I should have the right to die.  I believe that the
patient must either: a. sign a statement early in life dictating that if
he or she is ever declared a 'vegetable', 'brain-dead' or 'terminally
ill' that "I give permission to end my life if the chance of recovery is
implausible" or "I wish to be kept alive until my body quits completely
on me."  In the case of any person who hasnot signed such a paper,
(witnessed by an attorney and one other person) he or she should be
asked, if he/she is conscious in the hospital to sign such a form or
should sign a paper giving permission to a trusted family member or
friend to decide, in case of the above incidents, what to do.  If
permission is not given via written, legal and binding contract, then
euthanasia should not be considered under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  
	A human being should, however, make a decision as to when he or
she wishes to give up; I once had a ninety-year-old woman cry on my
shoulder because "They keep me on this machine and they keep me doped
up; I don't want to live like this anymore.  Why can't they just shut it
all off?"  Her family had given up on her and I, a volunteer, could do
nothing for her except listen to her fervent desire to die.  I have the
health now to teach people that there is no conceivable reason that
euthanasis be considered where the disabled are concerned.  Let's let
those who truly wish to die make that decision for themselves, while we
utilize our energy to contribute and prove that we are just as alive and
fully human as everyone else.
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|	Poor is the person 	|	Christine Faltz 		| 
|	whose permission 	|	33 Prospect Ave.		|
|	depends upon the 	|	Princeton, NJ 08540		|
|	perceptions of others.	|		"Who is John Galt?"	|
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