Andrew Copson (humanist) vs Jacob Rees-Mogg (Catholic) | Morality and assisted dying

[@Neilhuny]

It's hard to click 'Like' on a video with Jacob Rees-Mogg in - but I managed to

[@DanJHayes]

Andrew represents us humanists brilliantly, as ever. Thank you.

[@KimRickwood]

I agree, our current situation doesn't work. I saw a hospital keep my mother alive after she'd wanted to be transferred to a hospice ( it was a bank holiday while she was capable of being moved, I wish I had taken her myself. After that the KPI around dying in an ambulance made the hospital keep her there when it wasn't the right place for her). She suffered for a fortnight after her decision was made. That didn't do anyone any good. OK not quite the assisted dying example but I feel a symptom of the situation.

[@B41988]

A seasoned MD specializing in palliative/ end-of-life care, as well as a representative from the (humane) legal realm would have been interesting additions to the discussion. Thanks to Humanists UK for traversing the void on this subject matter, of course, involving us all.

[@EyeMixMusic]

No matter how many terminally ill people are deprived of their dignity and forced to endure needless suffering, for the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg, "yes but I have concerns" always matters more.

[@cheryl71000]

Sorry but I didn't vote for ester rantizen in the general election is she an MP, NO, so how does she get to call for a free vote in parliament. It's MPs voted in who should listen to their people in their area, not decide by their own opinion, but the majority of the people. I've contacted my MP stating I do not want it, it's the final solution for the old, handicapped and infirm. He said he agrees with the bill and that's what he's going to vote for. So do we actually have a representative in parliament??? When he goes for what he thinks? If we had palliative care, hospices are closed now, decent doctors surgery where the doctor MET the patient, doctors would know what the patient thinks. Ordinary people do not get to see doctors, they are told by a nurse what the doctors thinks!!!! If instead of sticking an old person in a corner with a glass of orange, and allowing her to die in pain didn't happen in our care homes and hospitals this would not even be talked about. But it does happen and people don't want to go the same way. Assisted dying is the final solution for the masses of people who use the NHS. Not for the likes of Esther who get to speak to a consultant and discuss her care. Ordinary people don't get a choice in their care now, so goodness knows what this bill will do. Death warrant by a stroke of a doctor's pen, never even met the patient.

[@candyquahogmarshmallow8257]

It should ALWAYS be about **quality of life** than what the religious people feel should be **sanctity of life** because if you keep giving medicine then when does it stop being preserving life and then become prolonging death? The person should have the dignity to be able to choose when they want to go. Imagine being 100% clear minded and having your own mother or wife wiping your bottom or showering you? There's no dignity in that sort of life (end of life). Of course assisted dying should be a legal responsibility (if the person is of sound mind and body but knows that their brain will negate in the fullness of time), they should be allowed to make an advanced directive or decision saying that if they get beyond a certain state, they want their medication witheld. Religion can't be objective about this most important of life choices because what they think their god wants will take presidence.

[@bb5979]

How ridiculous. What a disgustingly selfish way to look at life. Bro here says he’s a humanist but is literally anti-humanist.

[@ascgazz]

@@bb5979 that’s two answers I’ve seen you attempt today, with horrendous results, and you’re coming off as incredibly arrogant with each one you add. Just because you can’t understand something, doesn’t give you qualification to ignore so much, so loudly. It’s your lack of compassion that’s the problem here. I’m glad your life is so wonderful that all you can do is talk like this to total strangers who you know nothing about.

[@David-jx4gw]

I removed myself from the organ harvesting list over this issue.

[@maureenelsden1927]

Good for you!

[@bikecameraaction3334]

Even when suffering deeply, God has never abandoned me.

[@simonmcglary]

The situation as regards euthanasia is a bit of bizarre thing. If an animal is in a similar situation you would would euthanise regardless, whereas in this case someone is asking because of their circumstances. Put protections in place, must be terminally ill, serious reduction or lack of quality of life being two of the key requirements. Having seen what my mother went through in her last month to two months, that has remained permanently etched in my memory for the past 20 years!

[@dan69052]

fhb hjkIf you are wondering about the question of whether your sexuality is a sin or not, I welcome you to consider the following thoughts for clarification. Let’s look at some basic fundamental facts based on extensive research & ongoing R&D. During fetal development a verity of biochemical agents are introduced which determine the development of the fetus. Major agents such as testosterone & estrogen & a host of others agents determine size, weight, hair color, eye color & sexuality along with a host of other traits. Variations in the amount & timing of the introduction of these agents have a major effect in the development of the fetus The fetus is a passive participant & has no influence or say in these matters. Sexuality, for example, & all other secondary traits are thus given to us. Well, this begs the question, is homosexuality a sin. If your religion or belief system states that it is, then there can be no argument. These are the rules based on this system’ dogma. If you accept this system, you must accept the rules. If, however, you are in a belief system based on logic, reason, observation & common sense, the conclusion is totally different. Replacing ancient religion & mythology with reason leads to another conclusion. There exist many variations of human sexual expression. When you leave various ancient religious beliefs behind & use knowledge based in research, you can see the true nature of humanity. You leave ignorance, hatred, & prejudice behind. In the book Gay Straight & the Reason Why by Simon Levay PhD, explanations regarding this aspect of humanity are clearly explained & is based on research & not ancient text which had no benefit of understanding humanity. Being gay is no more of a choice than having red hair. They are both based on genetics & clearly not a sin. Peace

[@simonmcglary]

@@dan69052 how is this relevant to what is being discussed here?

[@jamesgill6213]

The mission creep on this wound soon be out of control.

[@Paine137]

Rees-Mogg should take off his glasses and let Nature take its course. How dare he decide to buy glasses and allow manufacturers to intervene in his own health. I’m concerned.

[@Alfie198]

'Decide to take it into your hands' says JRM, but what is he and others with his view doing by not allowing people to die in a dignified and pain free way? Taking it into THEIR hands!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

🙏💙

[@ascgazz]

Why ELSE do people kill themselves other than burden?

[@ascgazz]

Jacob believes in the right to life, as long as you’re not poor or ill. Or brown.

[@bb5979]

Stupidity

[@ascgazz]

@@bb5979 How do you find it so easy to ignore peoples realities, so harshly?

[@ascgazz]

@@bb5979 oh… no need to answer. I’ve seen some of your other comments now. I think I’ve got a bit of an understanding of you already. 😬 😘

[@LeCaramelThunder]

Andrew represented himself and the org so well here.

[@Flyingtwiglet]

Well done Andrew. How does Rees-Mogg get so much air time? He's such a knob ( sorry no other word for it).

[@cheryl71000]

How rude you are, he may think the same as you

[@Eris123451]

All other issues aside does the Roman Catholic Church have even a shred of credibility left ?

[@seriousoldman8997]

Worst Catholic ever.