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Almost 100 Britons take own lives at suicide clinic



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THE number of Britons to commit assisted suicide at a Swiss clinic has risen to 92.
Figures released yesterday show euthanasia organisation Dignitas, based in Zurich, helped 17 Britons die last year and eight this year. Details of the latest deaths have not been revealed.

The organisation has 694 UK members – a significant fall from over 800 in September 2006.

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland and usually involves a terminally ill patient drinking a barbiturate poison. Members pay a joining fee and an annual subscription to Dignitas.

Sarah Wootton, the chief executive of the pro-euthanasia charity Dignity in Dying, said: "The steady increase in British citizens travelling to Dignitas is further proof that the law in the UK is not working. Until there is a law allowing terminally ill, mentally competent adults the right to choose a medically assisted death, many more will make this tragic pilgrimage."



The full article contains 158 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 29 May 2008 12:10 AM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Euthanasia
 
1

HarderTruth,

29/05/2008 01:04:05
I wonder if Sarah Wooton watched the documentary on assisted suicide in the US? It showed where this can lead - depressed and desparate people being "supported" in deciding to curtail their lives. All, of course, at a price. And those involved believing that they were supplying a "service" whilst appearing strangely delusional themselves. If the Swiss wish to profit from this trade so be it - after all they and other uber nationalists have the track record in this field.
2

Guga II,

Rockall 29/05/2008 01:19:57
Everyone should have the right to end their own life, as and when they choose.
3

Suzi B,

29/05/2008 02:28:10
#1. Legalising assisted suicide or banning it won't make any difference to the amount of loony American suicide facilitators doing the rounds. I have no doubt you are right about those supplying the service being strangely delusional!
Nurses and doctors assist the terminally ill to die every day around the world, legislation or no. Terminally ill patients towards the end of their life are given higher doses of opiates than is strictly necessary to relieve pain, but who would argue with that? probably only people with strong religious convictions. I was about to say that if I become terminally ill I don't want to die like a dog but on reflection I think I would prefer to die like a dog than die like a human, at least they ARE euthanised if they are in unbearable pain.
4

Fanling,

Switzerland 29/05/2008 03:25:30
#1
'... depressed and desparate people being "supported" in deciding to curtail their lives. All, of course, at a price. And those involved believing that they were supplying a "service" whilst appearing strangely delusional themselves.'

Well, Mr or Ms Holier-than-thou, I deduce that you talk on this issue from the fount of wisdom that is an all-knowing religion. Your selected "quotes" give away your stance on the subject, to which you are of course entitled. The entitlement of people who are terminally ill and either physically incapacitated or in unbearable pain is also to be recognised.

Those who choose to take that ultimate decision are brave people indeed. That they have to pay for it elsewhere is simply a reflection of the intolerant societies which deny them that option/right. I have a close relative who is right now dying of cancer. She has no other option but to submit to the rules/whims of those medics in the UK who decide what is good for her.

To you, and others like you #1 - take a hike up your self-righteous @rses. In your own words: "If the Swiss wish to profit from this trade so be it." And why shouldn't they? The Dutch do likewise. We can argue about the ethics of this till the cows come home, but that won't help those who have to endure a daily hell that is beyond words. I am angry #1 - don't push it.

5

Bemused and above it all,

29/05/2008 11:58:07
We already 'assist'death inthe terminally ill, as highlighted in a previous post. Given the choice, in a situation where the choice is lose all faculties and dignity whilst suffering unbearable pain with no quality of life or decide that your time is coming to an end and you wish no more misery for you or your loved ones, what would you do?
I know my preference, why should this option be removed on the grounds of one ideological philosophy?
6

Caratacus,

West 29/05/2008 16:03:45
Suicide is the LAST thing I'd do!
7

TimW1234,

Ottawa, Canada 29/05/2008 16:46:49
#4 Fanling from Switzerland

Why are you lecturing us YET AGAIN?

Are you an expert on assisted suicide or just spouting your usual nonsense?
8

Fanling,

Switzerland 29/05/2008 17:22:39
#7 TimW1234,Ottawa, Canada

You habitually demonstrate your ignorance on these boards. And nobody spouts as much sawdust and spit as you do. I am lecturing no-one ("YET AGAIN") in my post above - especially the mythical "US" you once more purport to be the chief mouthpiece for. If I wish to comment on an article I will do so - without the empty histrionics and crude personal attacks that are your pathetic trademark. You are a rather nasty piece of work.
9

Black Beard,

29/05/2008 18:57:49
An annual fee? I imagine the collection agents have a bit of trouble contacting their membership. :P

As a person who's seen a loved one suffer for no discernible reason I support the idea.
10

John Blackley,

Florida 29/05/2008 21:07:49
I hope that my life never becomes so painful or unbearable that I would wish to end it myself (or with help). I hope that I would, according to my convictions, live my life - travails and all - until its natural end.

However my beliefs are mine alone and I have no problem with others needing and using the services described in the article.
11

,

30/05/2008 12:10:01
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Should the law be changed to make assisted suicide and euthanasia legal?
No, nobody has the right to end, or help to end, another human life
Yes, the terminally-ill should be allowed to choose when they die
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