November 18, 2000    
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Do you believe in assisted suicide?

Nope... I think it's wrong, even if the person wants it, because it seems kind of sick and demented to help someone kill themselves...

Jeremy, 13
Highlands Ranch
, CO  USA

If someone was provoking it then definatly.

Dianne, 16
Oshawa, Ontario  CANADA

Yes, I do. I believe one should be allowed to die with dignity. If one is suffering, in terrible pain, they should be allowed to exist this world forthe next. Only if suffering is unbearable, and they are sure of they're decision. I don't think Dr. Kevorkian is the best spokesman for assisted suicide.

Mick, 30
Chicago
, IL   USA

no i guess not. that's horrible that someone would want to assist another in killing hisself

Brooke, 16
Memphis
, TN    USA

Yes, providing that all individuals involved agree. Stepping out in front of a stranger's car is very unfair.

Jill, 59
Saylorsburg
, PA  USA

Absolutely not.

Laura, 35
Lowell
, MA   USA

I sometimes wonder. I think people should be aloud to die with dignity. I have seen people die that I wondered if it would have been better with a assisted suicide. But my religion teaches me against suicide so therefore it is very hard for me to say. I wish I had more info for a answer. I guess I feel that when it is your time to go God will take you and that time is left up to Him.

Marci, 55
Diamond
, OH    USA

yes I do, but I think it should depend on the situation and type of illness.  Like when a criminal has to go to court to decide if he is sane enough to stand trial, the sick or dieing should go through like a process and it has to be a family decision too. But I think if you would rather go and not be on pain, i think it should be your decision.

Stephanie, 24
TX   USA

No! Suicide is the only unforgivable sin.

Melodi, 19
Hlliard
, OH   USA

no...and i may sound old fashioned with this but i'm a firm believer that God brought this into this world and he's the only one who has the right to take you away.

Kiki, 22
Eureka
, IL   USA

I don't see why the person in question can't just kill him/herself. But how do we mean "believe" here? Is the question whether I SUPPORT assisted suicide or whether I believe that it EXISTS?

Karen, 21
Marshelltown/Ames
, IA  USA

I would say it depends upon those inolved and the moral personal  choices they make. However, I can say that I think it should be a legal thing. I know it seems cruel to allow people to die in huge amounts of pain and misery, but I think a life must run its course. This of course is coming from someone who has never been confronted with such a choice. Therefore, it is a decision best left to those involved.

Felicia, 34
Lowell
, MA   USA

Yes, if assisted by a physician who knows the patient and the context. No, when the assistant is someone like Kevorkian who simply jumps in.

Jane, 60
West Linn
, OR   USA

I think it goes along the same terms as abortion.

Jami, 27
Lowell
, MA   USA

Yes I do. Anyone who says 'things can only get better' no matter what the circumstances lives in a very fascinating world.

Alias Irrelevante

You mean, do I approve of assisted suicide. Or do I think it's appropriate. 

As a concept, I think I can see it in a good light. We are a land of freedom. Everyone has the freedom to do what they what. If a person is physically unable to achieve the limits of their freedom, it may be a kindness for someone else to help them get there.

But in practice, I can see the assisted suicide being twisted and misused too easily by our society. It's not going to be perfect or appropriate in a world ruled by money.

Jesse, 24
Bowie
, MD   USA

That depends highly on the case. Some people are just being selfish, some are doing what's necessary to retain their dignity.

Firelady, 22
Dallas
, TX   USA

I have very mixed feelings about this. I am a religious person and feel that we are to "endure to the end" and yet when I see someone who will die eventually going through horrible pain for a length of time, my faith is tested.

Reba, 50
Rockville
, MD   USA

Do I believe it exists? Sure. Do I AGREE with it? Hmm, not sure. Depends on your definition of assisted suicide.

Amy, 23
New Orleans
, LA   USA

Absolutely not!

Sarah J.
Jones, MO   USA

most of the time, yes. . within reason and most legal limits. . .

mothmc, 36
Los Angeles
, CA  USA

Yeah Romeo and Juilet

Savannah

I do. I was raised in a religion that taught me God decides when your time is up. Understood. But I feel there couldn't be a God of any sort who wants to see anyone endure horrendous pain and suffering in their final days.  Supposedly this God has given us a freedom of choice - I think choosing to go out with dignity is a blessing. Besides, this God has already determined that this life will end (for the terminally ill), so I don't think it's any great abomination to choose your own day. I do not, however, think assisted suicide is in any way acceptable unless it involves terminal illness, without hope, and accompanied by intolerable agony.

Fisch, 45
Preston
, CT   USA

no

Gemma Lynn

seems like cheating...the assisted part I mean. If you are committed to the idea, do it yourself.

Anthony, 25
Baton Rouge
, LA  USA

I absolutely believe that assisted suicide should be an option for a person who is terminally ill. Assisted suicide as a form of euthanasia is both something that should be allowed, protected, and advocated. In my opinion, helping someone in physical pain who has no chance of survival is a good deed. I think placing euthanasia just on the outskirts of acceptance in our society is detrimental to euthanized patients and the society as a whole. Assisted suicide will happen whether it is legal or not, but legalizing it will allow it to more well documented and regulated. This will better protect patients from a "suicide" that they haven't consented to.  I do believe, though, that assisted suicide should only be an option for those suffering PHYSICALLY. Persons with emotional and psychological problems should be given professional help not to kill themselves, but to deal with their problems.

Eric, 18
Beverly Hills
, CA  USA

Absolutely, if that is the will of the person that is to die.

Kevin, 33
Sugar Hill
, GA   USA

Yesterday / Tomorrow