Incurable diseases themselves are barbaric in their own right, but forcing the millions of people afflicted with them to sacrifice their lives against their will is equally wrong. Economical? Part of what’s wrong with society at large today is that we view all life as a pricetag. (X) amount for this operation. (Y) amount that they contributed into the economy and social security during (Z) amount of working years. There’s no room for compassion, morality, or human rights in such an equation.

On the flip side, if I was diagnosed with an incurable disease tomorrow, I should have the right to choose assisted suicide if I wish. Racking up a decade of medical bills for my family to pay after I am gone, and rotting away one inch at a time, is something I want to spare myself and my family. By the same token, if I am diagnosed with a type of cancer that has a high survival rate, I should be allowed to try treatment(s) before taking such a drastic step as assisted suicide.

Keep such an important choice in the hands of the individual, not a nameless, faceless group or branch of government. There’s no turning back once such power is handed over.

–DKnight