[thrwaway69]

> Another way to read your response could be "It'll take too long and it's too hard, too expensive, to help poor people out of their pain. We should instead let them put themselves out of their misery"

No. We should never stop trying to help people but if the help is causing suffering to others. It should not be done beyond a reasonable duration. What that reasonable duration is - I don't know. 2 years? 5 years? A decade? All are valid answers. It is highly contextual.

Regardless of that, having legal euthansia is better than not having it at all.

See - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23915237

[ElFitz]

Then we agree. I'd add a matter of means to the duration. Simply having someone fill out a form and wait 2, 3, 5 or 10 years isn't enough. There needs to be an actual process, with the intention and means to help figure out what other solutions we can offer, and try them out where appropriate.

Funny you referenced this comment. I actually wrote it :-)

[thrwaway69]

Wait I referenced the wrong one but you replied to the correct one already. Yeah I don't think duration alone is enough as mentioned in the other comment.

I believe in planned euthanasia. If I am getting crunky and old, there is a point where I would consider a peaceful death and celebrate it myself. I will have chance to say goodbye. Similarly, a depressed person after trying reasonable number of methods and spending enough effort, should be able to consider it as an option. Not everyone will end up hopeful and that's fine. We shouldn't try to pressure or shame that. Currently, too many people end up ruining their life through failed attempts. Many end up dying who could have been saved if they had legal system and society that gave them an alternative option. Many are currently suffering with terminal illness or mental health problems that won't be fixed any time soon. All three categories will benefit from a legal euthanasia system.

There are people who live through the day thinking that they could end it all if things go too wrong. It can stem from unhealthy environment but it might not always be that way. These people are ready to get help if they have a choice in the matter.