As one of the 'British contingent' referred to, I am not convinced the approach is either more universal or more dogmatic than the approach of those in favour of a change in the law, and I don't think that sort of terminology is helpful. I also have a progressive neuromuscular impairment, as did my sister, and I am genuinely concerned - no, terrified would be a better word, particularly in the current British climate of public sector cuts and 'clamping down' on the undeserving - that the safeguards against the 'choice' to die would be inadequate at the present moment. Discussions and writings about the assumptions and stereotypes that disabled people are subject to are widespread on this list, including the assumption that our lives are just not worth living, and our own internalised oppression that pressures us to agree in our hearts, even if our heads scream 'NO!'. A key problem seems to me that this choice is fatal, terminal, and if we want to argue that someone didn't make it voluntarily it will generally be too late. Given a different social context I might consider the choice odd, but perfectly legitimate, as I do many choices people (sometimes I!) make.
Having said that, I also wonder about the wonders of the internet that allow us to vote for or against something that only relates to a specific geographic area. Or maybe it doesn't..........
I guess if one takes the 'non existant deity approach' then if you haven't really chosen to die, at least you'll know you'll be in a better place.
Alice
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