AAMCH

Addis Ababa Medical College – Hargeisa Branch

The Right To Die With Dignity

July 31st, 2016

Not even in the face of the most excruciating pain or sorrow.-This is what the Church and most religions teach us, this is what we have been lead to believe since childhood-For some people, dying should be a natural process, however, for others with cruel, painful and debilitating diseases, dying is an escape of the horrifying pain and suffering that they must endure day after day, – even knowing that there is no cure and that the end will inevitably be-The question is, FOR HOW LONG is that person supposed to endure this situation.-In many cases,-like terminal cancer or other terminal illnesses, – not even doctors can’t predict the end. In other cases, where a patient is diagnosed with cancer, – doctors give them the option of removing most of the cancer by surgery (if at all possible), followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy that can last for months. This does not confirm that the person will be cured, and will be able to live for the rest of his life. Some, in spite of the treatment, are informed that this can only prolong their lives maybe 2 or 3 years, perhaps less. The process of Chemotherapy and radiation, are many times worse than the illness itself.-Side effects are ruthless and incredibly painful., – causing vomiting, burning, debilitation and many other symptoms that NOT many persons can resist or accept. The question is, if all this is worth the suffering, just to survive 2 or at the most 3 years.-perhaps months or more. Other illnesses, like Multiple-Sclerosis, spinal injuries with total paralization, or persons that have to be incubated in order to maintain an artificial life, – are another part of this spectrum that can not – and will not present to hope for total future cure.-Even if the person is in a coma, without any consciousness of what is happening, WHY try to maintain this cond ition endlessly? In my humble opinion, a person has the right to die with DIGNITY.-, without further suffering, not only for them, but for the family that sometimes suffer as much, watching their loved ones in this terrible conditions.-They should have the right to have their lives ended, either by EUTHANASIA performed by doctor, or another relative-THIS SHOULD NOT AND MOST NOT BE AGAINST THE LAW.-Another way to solve this problem, is by having a Living Will, written by the person while his mind is still stable. This is OUR RIGHT, – it is our lives, and our decisions should be respected, no matter what others might think,-I am sure God will understand. He is a loving GOD who does not want to see his children suffereing, – if it can be avoided! Eva of Torriente Diaz July 19, 2008.