Portuguese parliament initiates debate on legalizing euthanasia

[politicallefty]

I used to be staunchly opposed to assisted suicide and euthanasia, but I have to say that Jack Kevorkian is the one that changed my mind on the subject. Just as he said when he was alive, there should regulations upon regulations to ensure that it is left to those that are in full mental capacity and able to consent. I think the requirements for active euthanasia should be terminal illness, just the same as most assisted suicide laws.

I think it should be an absolute last resort. Jack Kevorkian went to prison because he used active euthanasia on a patient that was desperate and wanted to die (and was unable to move). I think the patient in that case was suffering from advanced ALS. That disease terrifies me. In an advanced stage like that individual was suffering, I absolutely believe the option to die should be available to all, regardless of how it is carried out.