I've
received many emails from people who have made the choice to euthanize their terminally
sick and dying pets, and recently found an organization that is striving to
allow terminally ill people to pass with dignity. This has been a controversial topic throughout much of the U.S. for many years.
Moderate U.S. religions have supported the choice, while conservative
U.S. religions look down upon it (although for some reason, they don't
have an issue with it when it comes to pets who have the intelligence of
a 4-5 year old child).
As someone who talks with
spirit all the time, they would rather not have endured the suffering that
prolonged the agony and feelings of helplessness of their family and friends.
I feel that it should not be governed by religion, however, just as
allowing a precious pet to pass with dignity is not ruled by religion.
From the messages I've received, People should have the right to choose
how they want to pass. There are some places in the U.S. that do allow
people to make that choice, although not many.
So, where
is it legal? As of March, 2016, Physician aid in dying (PAD), or assisted
suicide, is legal in the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Vermont and
Bernalillo County, New Mexico; its status is disputed in Montana.
I know this is a controversial topic, and I know many people have opinions based on their religions, but I'm asking you to put your religion aside and think about this topic from a human perspective.
What choice would you personally make?
I do remember that my mother suffered for several days in a vegetative
state after a stroke totally disabled her. I know her spirit was
conscious of her physical body's state, because she conveyed that. She
was in a U.S. state that didn't allow assisted passing, and watching her
suffer was something that was troubling.
Have you encountered that feeling?
***************************
I recently stumbled upon this organization: Compassion and Choices.
If you know someone that is dealing with terminal illness, you may want
to check this organization. (I have not spoken with them, and am not
affiliated with them- just sharing the information I found).
·
Compassion and Choices works to improve care and expand choice at the
end of life.
Compassion & Choices creates an
atmosphere free from judgment where everyone can talk about, and come to terms
with, the difficult issues surrounding death and dying. Unlike most end-of-life
organizations, we are not a religious organization; nor do we promote one ethical
or belief system. We honor all people as individuals, regardless of sexual
orientation, gender identity, age, disability, race, or any other category.
·
Mission: Compassion and Choices, a
nonprofit organization, improves care and expands choice at the end of life. We
support, educate and advocate.
