Physician Assisted Suicide

Use this forum to discuss the October Book of the Month "McDowell" by William H. Coles.
Post Reply
User avatar
fernsmom
Posts: 333
Joined: 07 Sep 2018, 06:17
Favorite Book: Smith
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 50
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fernsmom.html
Latest Review: The Easter Make Believers by Finn Bell
Reading Device: 1400698987

Re: Physician Assisted Suicide

Post by fernsmom »

I have mixed feelings about physician assisted suicide. I feel that in certain circumstances where the patient is suffering tremendously and there is no chance of quality of life, and the patient is dying that it is different that what was portrayed in McDowell. Seeing how Hiram was so selfish I think there was reasons he had that wasn't necessarily considered for the patient only. He was also a family member so you always here that a doctor shouldn't treat their own patients. Although Hiram wasn't treating the patient and only did the assisted suicide, he was definitely not impartial. He had his own reasons that I believe reflected somewhat in his action.
User avatar
MrsCatInTheHat
Posts: 3817
Joined: 31 May 2016, 11:53
Favorite Book: Cry the Beloved Country
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 376
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mrscatinthehat.html
Latest Review: Marc Marci by Larry G. Goldsmith
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
Publishing Contest Votes: 0

Post by MrsCatInTheHat »

Mich 234 wrote: 10 Oct 2018, 19:10 The subject of euthanasia is a very controversial one, with diverse views, and there can be no right or wrong answers, as I believe each situation should be assessed on its own merit . In most countries and religions, murder of any kind is wrong legally and morally, but I believe circumstances surrounding the issue must be critically examined.
Referencing the book McDowell, no one is 100 percent sure Jeremy will not commit mass murder again, had he survived. So from his future victims' point of view, he is better off dead now, but if he repents and turns a new leaf, he should be given another opportunity at life. Who makes the judgment call? I don't think that is the job of the physician. The courts should decide.
Jeremy was brain dead, that was very clear in the book.
Life without a good book is something MrsCatInTheHat cannot imagine.
User avatar
felicity66
Posts: 4
Joined: 21 Sep 2018, 05:38
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by felicity66 »

Why should Jerome die? All should have been left to God, because only he can give and take it
Theresa Moffitt
In It Together VIP
Posts: 685
Joined: 18 Jun 2018, 22:27
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 300
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-theresa-moffitt.html
Latest Review: Keys to Harmony by Margalit Jakob

Post by Theresa Moffitt »

I think this is an incredibly hard topic to discuss and so subjective depending on the individual person and their family in conjunction with their doctor.
User avatar
Mary WhiteFace
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 550
Joined: 05 Apr 2018, 11:29
Favorite Book: Stranger in a Strange Land
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 387
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mary-whiteface.html
Latest Review: Bravehorse Adventures by Louise Cleveland
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Post by Mary WhiteFace »

I find it interesting that some people believe that Jeremy didn't have a say in whether he lived or died. The reason he was in the hospital bed to begin with was because he shot himself in the head, trying to kill himself. To me it's obvious how Jeremy felt about it.

It's real easy to say what we would or would not do if faced with the same situation and decision as another person, but until you actually feel the emotions from living it you can't really know.

I'm still pondering the situation, so I don't have an opinion about what Hiram did. I do believe that each situation is unique and that it's difficult to have a blanket response that would cover them all.
Jacci
Posts: 105
Joined: 19 Sep 2018, 23:44
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 33
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jacci.html
Latest Review: The Unbound Soul by Richard L. Haight

Post by Jacci »

Ruba Abu Ali wrote: 01 Oct 2018, 10:13 Euthanasia is an extremely thorny issue. I do not agree with McDowell's view on physician-assisted suicide.
You're right! I feel that this issue is very scary. This idea reminds me of my uncle right now who is lying in the ICU. My cousin oftentimes call me and keep on saying "I guess my father is still fighting for life, he wants to survive."
56lives
Posts: 81
Joined: 30 Jul 2018, 08:06
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 19
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-56lives.html
Latest Review: Killing Abel by Michael Tieman

Post by 56lives »

I personally believe that he who gives life -God- is the only one with the power and authority to take it away. No one should take His place. If anyone assists another to die that is murder, regardless of whether the victim is in great pain or not.
User avatar
Poppy Drear
Posts: 534
Joined: 10 Mar 2018, 02:34
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 147
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-poppy-drear.html
Latest Review: Five of Pentacles by Anna Munson

Post by Poppy Drear »

In an ideal world, this wouldn't be an issue - unfortunately, suicide of any kind is a seriously pressing problem. I'd really recommend reading testimonies of people who have chosen assisted suicide to understand their perspective, even if you don't agree with it, if you want to form any sort of opinion. In my case, I have to say I just don't know enough about the issue to believe one way or another.
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 4025
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3511
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay

Post by Kibet Hillary »

After reading this book, it seems that Hiram actually committed murder instead of euthanasia. His grandson never consented to it nor any member of the family. In fact he tried to hide this if not for the detailed investigation that was done to reveal his scheme.
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 4025
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3511
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay

Post by Kibet Hillary »

ViziVoir wrote: 20 Oct 2018, 13:30 In an ideal world, this wouldn't be an issue - unfortunately, suicide of any kind is a seriously pressing problem. I'd really recommend reading testimonies of people who have chosen assisted suicide to understand their perspective, even if you don't agree with it, if you want to form any sort of opinion. In my case, I have to say I just don't know enough about the issue to believe one way or another.
This is another point of view or perspective to see it which is also good. But it would be from one who did it rather than the one who underwent it. It goes without say that euthanasia could lead to other vices such as 'killing' one so as to gain what they will leave behind or because they are becoming a burden.
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
User avatar
Kibet Hillary
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 4025
Joined: 26 Jul 2017, 01:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3511
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kibet-hillary.html
Latest Review: Sooner Secrets by Shelley L. Levisay

Post by Kibet Hillary »

Jacci wrote: 18 Oct 2018, 08:30
Ruba Abu Ali wrote: 01 Oct 2018, 10:13 Euthanasia is an extremely thorny issue. I do not agree with McDowell's view on physician-assisted suicide.
Wishing him a quick recovery and I do hope and believe that he will recover fully.
You're right! I feel that this issue is very scary. This idea reminds me of my uncle right now who is lying in the ICU. My cousin oftentimes call me and keep on saying "I guess my father is still fighting for life, he wants to survive."
“It just hurts too much to admit what is wanted so badly when there’s no guarantee of its availability.”
- Dr. Larry Crabb
Sirlimu01
Posts: 53
Joined: 10 Sep 2018, 14:49
Currently Reading: Kaiserjaeger
Bookshelf Size: 244
Reading Device: B00I15SB16

Post by Sirlimu01 »

Euthanasia is a troubling issue. It is uncall for to feel that society is being led to believe that this could be normal and It is acceptable in the future. On the other hand, I then rateit 3 out of 4. i make recommendation and decision for all other person.
User avatar
Book Lover 35
Posts: 582
Joined: 10 Oct 2018, 18:16
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-book-lover-35.html
Latest Review: VieVie La Fontaine by Linda Heavner Gerald

Post by Book Lover 35 »

I think it was murder because he didn't give him any consent. I also think that there wasn't any cruel intentions behind it. The kid was in a lot of pain and the book also said that he was choking.
:tiphat:
User avatar
Vscholz
Posts: 455
Joined: 09 Jul 2018, 00:59
Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Bookshelf Size: 816
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-vscholz.html
Latest Review: Primrose’s Curse by Kiara Shankar, Vinay Shankar
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by Vscholz »

Physician-assisted suicide is akin to abortion, so there will be a LOT of people taking sides. I'm fairly liberal, and I know I'll probably get a lot of flack fofor my opinions, but I am not one to coerce others into my way of thinking. I respectfully ask that my response does not result in aggressive responses.

I have seen a few responses on here saying that it is okay if the quality of life is barely anything. Just like my stance on abortion, I am pro-choice in this matter the way that while I may not opt for it myself, I would not look down on someone who chooses it, especially for medical reasons. However, if someone is seeking out physician-assisted suicide simply to end their life without trying other routes to bettering their life, then that person needs quite a bit of work.

How we view euthanasia in animals versus humans is interesting. We call it "putting to sleep" or "putting down" when we speak of out pets, perhaps as an attempt to make it easier on us, but when it comes to humans, we call it "pulling the plug" or which gives a more violent image

Overall, if a person wants physician-assisted suicide, that is their choice. It will effect those around them, but the choice is ultimately theirs. Well, and the physician that assists, of course.
As for you & your heart & the things you said & didn't say, she will remember them all when men are fairy tales in books written by rabbits. (Schmendrick the Magician)
User avatar
N_R
Posts: 409
Joined: 19 Sep 2017, 01:32
Favorite Author: James Mace
Currently Reading: Happy Healing
Bookshelf Size: 193
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-n-r.html
Latest Review: Kiwi Jacks by Hairy Jack
fav_author_id: 21042

Post by N_R »

Eww.... euthanasia is a very difficult theme which can generate such conversation and discussion. I think that it is very hard to make a good decision about this, but I like the idea that the theme is touched on.
Post Reply

Return to “Discuss "McDowell" by William H. Coles”