The Suicide Tourist

Andy commented on Frontline on 06.23.10
Man that is born of a woman hath but a short time to live, an is full of misery. He cometh up and is cut down like a flower he flieth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. In the midst of life we be in death of whom may we seek for succor but of thee, O Lord, which for our sins justly art displeased. Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful savior, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts, shut not up thy merciful eyes to our prayers but spare us Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O holy and merciful savior, thou most worthy judge eternal, suffer us not at our last hour for any pains of death to fall from thee. Job 11

Robert commented on Frontline on 03.31.10
I totally, totally, totally believe that people should be able to make the decision to end their life. Selfish? Not so. As was brought out in the show, the person is going to die, one way or the other, probably sooner than later, probably with excruciating pain and suffering. Why should a person be subjected to that if he/she choses not to, and also subject their loved ones to watch this. It is THAT PERSONs decision, no one elses. So there is no murder involved. If a loved one does not support this, then who is being selfish? And what if a person does not believe in God? Why should it then matter to that person about what God intends for him/her and why should we put barriers in front of that person for our own beliefs? Again, who is then "playing God" and who is the selfish one?

Lesley commented on Frontline on 03.03.10
While a person has the right to take their own life, I still think that it is wrong. I do not agree that taking ones own life is equivalent to the use of technology that preserves life. Who are we to decide when we should die? In some cases it may be a decision made out of desperation, in other cases it is driven by fear, but ultimately it is selfish. As far as assiting suicide is concerned, isnt it as good as saying "I dont think you should live either, so I will help you." ? If a young healthy person says they want to die, they are sent for a psychiatric evaluation. Why is the conversation different when the person is older and ill? I think policies around assisted suicide have more to do with societal beliefs about the value placed on youth and health than it has to do with supporting patient rights.