Assisted dying debate is a step toward 'barbarism' | Peter Hitchens

“That would be a grave step away from civilisation and towards barbarism.”
Peter Hitchens argues against assisted dying, saying energy should be put into better “palliative care”.
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[@Knappa22]

The idea that euthanasia is not happening all the time anyway is naive. What do these people think all the huge doses of morphine people are given when they are screaming in pain from their terminal cancer is actually for?

[@bumache]

We already have assisted dying and it’s called the NHS waiting lists.

[@johncheetham4607]

When you have to watch a loved one die slowly over a long period and the pain they are in is off the scale. They administer the morphine overdose.

[@artistreality]

Reality is, it's not about the length of life, it's the quality. There's fates worse than death and if a person is suffering from a terminal illness of any kind or a life changing disability that leaves them not even living a life, they should have the right to end it on their terms with their family around them.

[@Martynjs]

Ironic that the 'course of nature' was mentioned. If nature were allowed to take it's course without medical intervention many of these people would not remain tortured for so long. So which is more 'barbaric', allowing nature to take it's course or artificially maintaining someone's suffering?

[@travaller1]

Re: 'barbarism' as its been presented in this interview; I would suggest that its the other way around.

[@dallastaylor5479]

Can someone tell him he can make these decisions for himself but not for others.

[@ninthelement7289]

How is it we can have mercy towards our beloved pets when they are suffering, even though they are unable to give their consent, yet we can't respect the wish of a human being who wants to end their misery in a medically hopeless situation?

[@Dogboy73]

Not sure I've EVER agreed with Peter Hitchens on anything. Unlike his late brother, who I agreed with almost always. Peter Hitchens is like the pollar opposite of Christopher Hitchens. Anyway, I think assisted dying is the humane thing to do in certain circumstances. Seems obvious to me. 'A step towards barbarism' seems like the opposite of what assisted dying would mean.

[@roninhood1027]

Both men are correct.

[@mimilalcheva8103]

Many ‘barbaric’ European countries such as the Netherlands allow assisted dying. Perhaps we should look at how our neighbours address this issue and not be so closed minded.

[@user-sp4iv9br8i]

Well Peter, all I can say is spend some time in a nursing home or care home, where very elderly people are bedridden and slowly dying. There is no life for them, they have to be turned every 2 hrs, or face getting bedsores, which I might add becomes increasingly possible. That all depends on the level of staff, and also the type of staff. Many decades ago, I was a carer, and I have seen some terrible things, I can assure you. A lot of clients completely bedridden, wearing incontinence pads, oblivious to what's going on just simply wasting away. The truth is, most of them are on morphine so in effect it's a gentle slip into passing away. It's not nice to see those that are struggling, stuck in bed 24 hrs with absolutely no life, and no possibility of getting better. A lot of them don't even get any visitors, or family come to see them. Why would they? Nobody wants to see their loved one just lying there, suffering slowly. That's barbaric. I'm pretty damn sure that if that person in the bed could speak, they would beg to be let go. It's just cruel and heartbreaking to see, it makes no sense. We have our beloved pets euthenised when all hope is lost, and I think every human being has the right whilst compus mentus to be able to choose their own path to leave this planet. Life is a wonderful thing, but it also has its hardships, pain and suffering. It's only right that once you've stopped living and you are just a shell of your former self, and slowly fading out, that you should be able to go with dignity and pain free.

[@hedydd2]

Why are animal keepers and farmers held to a higher standard when treating their animals than the human equivalent? If a farmer prolonged the suffering of any animal the RSPCA and anyone sensible would be up in arms and would seek a prosecution. Yet sick humans are doomed to suffer to the bitter and very often most painful end, even when given the best of palliative care. It is absolutely ridiculous the way we treat people whose life has become intolerable to themselves. People like Hitchens make my blood boil.

[@thomasprice7893]

A big reason why Peter never achieved the broad appeal of his brother is that Christopher was able to countenance opposing views on issues without sliding into absolute absurd hyperbole, which indeed we have an absolute superfluity of in modern culture.

[@Hexas87]

Seems like Mr. Hitchens is afraid for his own life.

[@FraserChapman]

Google "Alex O'Connor interview Peter Hitchens" - absolute crybully

[@derekwhite2929]

Palliative care in the UK consists pretty much of leaving you entirely to your own devices in the UK as far as I can see.

[@markvandenbossche3812]

"I do understand", how can you if you are not in this position?

[@gordonclifton2694]

Talk to older people about how they think of life just going on and on, whether terminally ill or not. As an older person I am quite sure that we should have a choice under any circumstances. The sooner the better.

[@garylovell6017]

Hey Hitchens, you mouth on legs. You don't have to use this method If you don't wish to, It's not compulsory. But don't be so arrogant as to make other people's choice for them. That Is ''Barbarism''.