Activists Are Pushing For Law To Starve Elderly
Some Americans end up in homes as they age and became unable to take of themselves. Others are even worse off and end up bedridden. But regardless of the situation, every American deserves to be treated well. But some euthanasia advocates are trying to make it ok for the elderly to starve themselves or have the nursing staff do so if directed.
"...Euthanasia activists are pushing for laws that permit people to write advance directives ordering themselves starved to death if they become mentally incapacitated. That effort is apparently gaining steam. The assisted suicide supporting organization Final Exit Network published a poll that supposedly found only 15 percent of respondents would oppose. Here’s how the question was worded as quoted in the pro-euthanasia crusading bioethicist Thaddeus Mason Pope’s blog:
Some people also propose that individuals with early stage dementia, who are still competent, should be able to stipulate for their future incompetent selves, that they want food and drink withdrawn and for doctors to keep them comfortable so they can die peacefully.
Notice the passive language. If I threw you in a room and locked the door until you starved and dehydrated to death, would you consider that dying “peacefully?” Would you consider it “peaceful” if a doctor drugged you so deeply that you could not ask for food?"
I understand if people are in severe pain, terminally ill, and the meds are not working anymore, there should be some sort of recourse. But starving the elderly, especially those that don't have all their faculties, seems cruel. It would stress the staff, family, and possibly the individual that no longer knows why he/she is being starved. It would also put a strain on the family as they see their loved one begging for food. It would also make caretakers executioners. This is just not the way.