Group probed for helping people die defends work

[Akoto]

Source: Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) -- As authorities try to determine how many deaths nationwide may be linked to an alleged assisted suicide ring, members of the group known as the Final Exit Network are defending a mission they call "self-deliverance."

The network's president, its medical director and two other members were charged Wednesday in the death of John Celmer, a 58-year-old Georgia man who suffered for years from cancer of the throat and mouth. They each face up to five years in prison if convicted on assisted suicide charges.

Members bristle at the term assisted suicide, saying they don't play an active role in a person's death, but rather support and guide those who decide to end their lives on their own. Authorities say new members pay a $50 fee and are vetted through an application process.

Those seeking to end their lives are assigned a guide who instructs them to purchase two new helium tanks and a hood, known as an "exit bag." Authorities say it's consistent with the way Celmer died - suffocation due to inhalation.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/ASSISTED_SUICIDE_RING?SITE=NYBUE&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[DesertFlower]

1. we belong to "compassion and choices"

which used to be called "hemlock society". i have the book "final exit".

[saracat]

2. I have that book too! And our Ahole Maricopa County Attorney who

our idiot state and county Dems did nothing to defeat because they were more interested in "national" politics is helping lead the "charge".

[shaniqua6392]

3. This is a legal act in Oregon.

Why can't we just leave people alone and stay out of it?? If you want to die, you should be able to do it on your own terms.

[Akoto]

5. I tend to agree with you.

People should be able to choose when they are ready to leave. I'm pretty much debilitated at 24 years of age, and though I have no desire to head on out yet, I could see the appeal if I were suffering alone every day.

[defendandprotect]

7. Yeah, but who has control of the cyanide tablets?

Presume in Oregon you can find some doctor-assisted methods which are more peaceful an end?

Elsewhere . . .

They're willing to let you have a rope, a gun, or a knife to do it ---

but not anything easy. You can bet the wealthy find an easy way, however!

IMO, much of this is like standing across from a building on fire and yelling to those

leaping out the windows, "Don't jump!" ---

[hughee99]

4. Is this about the PNAC?

Oh, it's about helping those who want to die... never mind.

[bertman]

6. These people should be supported and embraced for the compassion they show for

those who are suffering.

More Christian theology at work here. As my dear aunt used to say, god set the time for you to enter this world and only god can set the time for you to leave. Of course, she also underwent three surgeries that proved that the surgeons and their medical staff were the ones who were setting the time she would leave. God had nothing to do with it.