[nixle]

That's so sad, but so real and common. Where I'm from, the law (kind of) allows for euthanasia. People can decide when to die, and have the option of leaving this place in a dignified manner, whit friends and relative in the room.

[shakesbeard]

I'm proud that my country does not prohibit assisted suicide. If a person is lucid and has the will to die it's their own decision. It's not like you go to one of these organizations and 2 hours later you're dead.

"Switzerland's laws that prohibit killing continue to apply in full. Direct, active euthanasia (deliberate killing in order to end the suffering of another person) is therefore also forbidden. By contrast, both indirect, active euthanasia (the use of means having side-effects that may shorten life) and passive euthanasia (rejecting or discontinuing life-prolonging measures) – while not governed by any specific statutory provisions – are not treated as criminal offences provided certain conditions are fulfilled."

Source: http://www.bj.admin.ch/content/bj/en/home/themen/gesellschaf...

[wpietri]

For what it's worth, I believe that it's the same in the US. Direct euthanasia is definitely illegal. But palliative care that shortens life (e.g., narcotics) is fine, as is passive euthanasia.

The biggest problem I see here is that unless the patient expresses a clear desire to end treatment (either in the moment or via legal documents prepared in advance) then medical professionals must continue to treat. I think the that's a fine way to run things, but it means Americans must be very clear about what they want if they are to avoid dramatic interventions that may do very little to help them and certainly are scarring for the family.

[philwelch]

Some US states explicitly allow assisted suicide: Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

[davidw]

Oregon,for one.

[rue]

“Shortens life” isn't the same as “doesn't prolong life”, I surmise.