This story is also reported from Belgium. In fact, both stories probably have the same root, but are presented from different perspectives. The reported story: “The Death Treatment”, covers assisted suicide for people with low quality of life. I imagine that this perspective underlies the progress of pro-choice doctrine in liberal societies.

You’re right. I was thinking of another European story where “doctors” would assist killing patients with a low quality of life. However, this story is comparable to the Schiavo euthanasia and selective-child policy.

The process is purely progressive from conception to a premeditated death. Perhaps it is inevitable that quality of life will be prioritized over life. There seems to be a growing consensus to reject The Hippocratic Oath and similar moral standards (e.g. Judaeo-Christian).

I don’t think you’re just paranoid at all.

It has already happened in many European countries with things such as organ donation, by implementing the opt-out system. If something happens to you and you are declared dead under whatever the current (lowered and not without medical controversy) criteria for being considered dead, they may take your organs – unless you have specifically opted out at an earlier point in your life.

Now, imagine the same logic applied to this problem: unless you have specifically opted out at an earlier point in your life, under certain conditions doctors may *presume* you consent to euthanasia. If it were a law, it would open up a lot of space for potential abuse, especially as euthanasia is more easily approved in a wider array of cases and on lesser grounds than it was originally intended (e.g. for psychological suffering alone).

Maybe I am just paranoid.

Germane to this thread.

Eugenics, euthanasia have deep American roots.
It was common parlance in the West in the 20’s and 30’s. In line with the communist concept of a “Rational Society.”

As to MDs and euthanasia, it happens routinely in a end-of-life context. Lived through it in my family. I didn’t object.

If euthanasia is institutionalized … we have a big problem. The wackjobs will take over.

The veneer of civilization is thin. That is why one needs be able to defend it. Very personally, very individually, in a very ornery way.

I blame the voters….