I figure that I’ll probably end my days here, but the thought of dying lonely in a Taiwanese hospital is a less than pleasant thought. Quite frankly, when the day comes give me a hammock, a sunset and a large dose of morphine and I’d be content.
So this thought lead me to think about what Taiwans policy on euthanasia is. I realize that it’s illegal, but are there pressure groups like Dignity in Dying that try and get this law changed?
In odd moments I’ve wondered about that too. I imagine Taiwanese doctors are no different to any other: when they think it’s appropriate, or can be convinced it’s appropriate, they’ll prescribe something to speed things along, especially since laws (in general) seem very flexible in Taiwan. Policy, law and actual human behaviour in such matters rarely have any connection.
Why, on such a sunny day, did you have to post this?
For some reason, I always imagined you to be young, StuartCa. Like in your 20’s or something.
I don’t know if there are any pressure groups like the one you mentioned, but I would probably agree with Finley about the attitude of professionals verses the law regarding this matter.
Personally, I just think they should deport the grim reaper.
You’re in luck, Taiwan actually does have a euthanasia program. It’s called a scooter licence.
I’d like to know what’s up, as well.
I think a decent palliative care program already would do.
Most likely, you’ll find yourself in an artificial coma till you are gone.
If not, then DIY.
Why? I was having a chat with a friend whose mum has terminal cancer and it reignited a, not particularly dormant, thought.
I’ve just seen the end of my 30’s.
But it is one of those things I’ve been thinking about for a while and in the UK press it is getting quite a lot of coverage what with Dignitas being just a short flight away and people like Terry Pratchett making lots of noise. So if you’re in Europe you’re OK, in the US I think there are some fairly liberal states, although Dr Kevorkian is now gone, but what to do if you’re in Asia?
I did hear that Morphine never goes off, so if you have an elderly relative here with a few phials stash it somewhere safe.
Nitrogen never goes off either, and is more easily obtainable. Not as much fun, probably. If I ever find myself in the oncology ward (or, worse, the Alzheimer ward) I probably wouldn’t want to delay the inevitable.
I recall Jeremy wossisname off Top Gear writing something about “the mental screensaver of Jordan’s tits being replaced by some bloke with a scythe” the moment you hit 40. And he was bloody right.
I think what are you looking for is “assisted suicide” and that’s probably not legal here in Taiwan. Euthanasia would happen if your loved ones, or your assigned caretaker or legal representative decided to kill you. Many people choose to stop treatment when there is no hope of recovery, but this is not euthanasia either. Some terminally ill choose to be “no code” or DNR (do not resuscitate). I think it’s best to set up a living will, or at least discuss these concepts with your significant others and family, so that they know what to do with you when you lose the power to control your own destiny.
assisted suicide is a recent term to re-brand voluntary euthanasia. it helps explain it better to joe public. involuntary Euthanasia effectively murder. but what ever term you use it amounts to the same thing. the problem with dnr is that the patient dehydrates and starves to death. no thanks i wouldn’t do it to pet i wouldn’t want it done to me
it’s hard enough to get a sick animal euthanized here…I don’t want to kill myself either, I just want to take a pill that will help me to age rapidly (when I’m 70) and help me die in my sleep:)