From: SAAVIK              
To: KNIGHT OWL          
Subject: Euthanasia     
Date & Time: 03/09/91 21:18:36
Message Number 13414

I believe in euthanasia, too. It's a hard subject to debate because both
sides are right. It's like the abortion debate. 
  
If a person is suffering mentally and physically and there's no chance 
for improvement, then I can understand why they might want to end their 
life. If it were me, and someone MADE me live against my will...... 
what kind of life could I have? 
  
I don't believe in this "suicide machine" thing, though. Euthanasia 
should be performed in a controled environment by qualified physicians. 
Not in some van in a driveway......... 
  
Not much of a comparison, but I used to work for a veteranarian. We used
to council people with old pets before they had them put to sleep. It 
was very hard for them to let go. But in many cases (well, in all cases)
the animals quality of life was nil and once the people realized that 
they were hurting their pet more by letting it suffer, they would 
tearfully agree. It was sad, but at the same time, it was the last act 
of love. They said their goodbyes then the animal quietly went to sleep.
It didn't suffer like it would have if it had just been left to slowly 
die day after day.