X-Message-Number: 8382
Date: 16 Jul 97 19:29:24 EDT
From: "Stephen W. Bridge" <>
Subject: Euthanasia

To CryoNet
From Steve Bridge
July 16, 1997
 
In reply to:
 
Message #8367
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 08:49:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: Compelling Reasons to Oppose Legalized Euthanasia
 
>Compelling Reasons to Oppose Legalized Euthanasia
>_________________________________________________
>1. EUTHANASIA IS MURDER.
 
and so forth.
 
     Part of the problem here is a failure of the press and public to even
agree on a term.  *I* am opposed to "euthanasia", which I define as
"termination of the life of a seriously or terminally ill individual
*without the individual's permission*."
 
     I am in favor of "assisted suicide", which implies that the
individuals are making their own decisions, but which require the
assistance of others.  Unfortunately, too many people confuse these two
concepts.  Every one of the reasons given in the flier Doug found were
specific to *involuntary* death for the terminally ill and I agree with
them.
 
     However, the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision was about "assisted
suicide," NOT about "euthanasia."
 
    By the way, I do not necessarily believe the decision was bad for
*cryonics* purposes.  In reading the full text of the decisions (I'm not
done yet), it seems possible that a radical medical treatment aiming to
*preserve* the life of the individual rather than to end it, might well be
allowed by the Court -- as long as it was not presented as assisted
suicide.
 
     We've been trying to piggyback on a concept we didn't really believe
(that pre-mortem suspension was the same as assisted suicide) for the
convenience it would give us.  Maybe it is now time to stand up for what
we REALLY believe -- that people should be allowed to try any treatment or
method (that they can afford) to give themselves a chance at life.
 
Steve Bridge

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