Why are women in their twenties opting for assisted dying in the Netherlands? | LBC

Here in the Netherlands there is hardly a debate over the principle of vulnerable people wanting to end their own life.
My experience from travelling up and down the country is that the subject, considered somewhat uncouth, virtually taboo in the UK, is one which is discussed openly in the Netherlands. It is a topic which affects many, resulting in personal experiences being frequently shared and often overheard in cafes, restaurants and even on street corners.
That is unsurprising, too. Both euthanasia and assisted suicide deaths were in the low thousands per year when the act came in, yet now they account for over 5% of total deaths nationwide. Last year saw 9,038 people choose to end their suffering in this manner.
The wording of the law has not changed. Doctors work to the idea that someone eligible is enduring “unbearable suffering with no sign of improvement”, and the conversation must be initiated by the patient. There must be two doctors who concur, and the case is automatically referred to the coroner and an independent review committee.
Yet, it is the interpretation of the law, passed back in 2002, which some argue has changed.
The topic of contention is whether physically healthy individuals, including young women in their 20s, should be able to end their lives because of mental health struggles.
Again, this phenomenon has risen exponentially. Back in 2010 there were just two ‘psychiatric’ cases of assisted suicide, compared with last year when 138 people used this justification.
This poses all sorts of challenges for lawmakers and campaigners alike, highlighted by high profile cases in the media.
Milou Verhoof, a physically healthy 17 year old chose to end her own life last year after struggling with borderline personality disorder.
Take Zoraya ter Beek, a 29 year old women who ended her life earlier this year. She opted for physician assisted suicide after a three year wait battling with anxiety, trauma and depression.
On the face of it, of course no one wants to see someone grappling with serious mental health issues opt to take their own life. Instinctively we are uncomfortable with it, and many argue it is evidence of the “slippery slope”.
But that is the essence of the law here: it is the patient's choice. In the case of 29 year old Aurelia Brouwers, she was suffering with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis. She was killed in a controlled manner clutching her toy pink dinosaur and listening to her favourite music surrounded by friends. Previously she had tried “on at least 20 occasions” to end her life, and was in a “critical condition” on a few of those occasions. The moral argument is tricky and deeply complex.
Indeed, this is not the only debate I have encountered during this trip. Commuters at Utrecht station, rushing to escape the snow, told me about the practice of ‘duo euthanasia’.
This is an increasingly common scenario where two individuals - often couples - choose to end their lives together. The concern here is that one person may be more strident and determined in their wish to terminate their life, at the expense of their spouse who has reluctantly agreed to.
One man warned of a scenario where a healthy individual who is caring for a seriously ill partner becomes sick themselves and concludes that they should both end their existence. The seriously ill partner feels in some way indebted due to the care they have received and agrees without thorough thought, no longer wishing to be a ‘burden’.
Though experts maintain that the strict criteria to qualify for such a death is not compromised in these cases - of which there were 66 in 2023 alone - and it falls to each individual. Similarly, many couples genuinely do not want to live without their soulmate - such as Jan and Els. The couple were married for almost five decades until earlier this year when they made the decision to die. Jan, 70, was suffering serious back pain, whilst Els, 71, had dementia.
The most high profile example of this was Dries van Acht, the Catholic former Dutch Prime Minister who was previously opposed to the law. He and his wife chose earlier this year to die together - they were both 93.
Being an outsider I have to confess I was rather taken aback to learn that 12 years olds are legally eligible for the practice. Naturally there are stricter procedures followed, parental consent required and but there are cases where people of that age are significantly suffering. Understandably and thankfully these cases are rare.
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[@Gabriel_H77]

Why the loaded question? Physical suffering is not the only suffering.

[@EdwardLindon]

1. Physical suffering typically has physical causes that can be externally evaluated. Mental suffering often does not. 2. Our cultures have a long-standing prejudice against and ineptness with mental health issues.

[@lukemurray4950]

So people with depression like myself should just use assisted dying instead of getting actual mental health treatment? This whole debate is just sick.

[@gradientcube]

​@@lukemurray4950virtue signalling and have no empathy.

[@stevem7945]

@@lukemurray4950 no one or implied said that. Don't make stuff up

[@azenkwed]

"Why is it the responsibility of the youth in Asia for killing someone else?" --- Ali G

[@origamikami3486]

This doesn’t make sense chief…..try again

[@azenkwed]

@@origamikami3486 It's a leguminate question, innit?

[@tjitse3916]

@@origamikami3486do you have any idea who Ali G is? 😂

[@hughtube5154]

"But is dat not racialist?"

[@kat2023.]

Chronic clinical untreatable depression and anxiety are like a slow death anyway. It's suffering that is unbearable for many people.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

Some people can recover from unbearable mental illness after years, such as myself. I attempted suicide several times. I appreciate the miracle of being alive now. That's the debate, really. It's difficult to make a life and death decision based on the unknown; not knowing if there is actually a way through it. With mental health, especially knowing that the brain is plastic. But that man saying 5 years isn't long, and wanting to put a limit on 28 years old as the youngest, is clueless. He should also spend time with children with agonising degenerative illnesses.

[@lukemurray4950]

This comment is just sick. I suffered with depression and anxiety for years before getting any better. The idea that I should of just unalived myself instead of getting treatment is beyond sick and honestly makes me feel depressed that people think like this.

[@lukemurray4950]

​@@daniellamcgee4251I was exactly the same. The truth is, the mentally ill are treated like less than human and they just want us gone. This whole debate has made me feel more depressed than I have in a long time.

[@loucam08]

@@lukemurray4950 Some people (like myself) have permanent mental disorders that effect their ability to live and get any enjoyment out of it, not just temporary mental illness. Also no one would have forced you to go through with it if it were an option - it would be a heavily scrutinised choice that other people could take. The alternative is 200 UK train drivers a year having a bad day

[@lukemurray4950]

@loucam08 No the alternative is giving people the help they need. Mental disorders can be managed. I will suffer with depression and anxiety for the rest of my life but it is manageable now. It took over a decade to get to that place. Not only through mental health services but Church, training in BJJ. Each thing built me up to manage the next thing until I can now actually manage my mental illness. As someone who attempted suicide many times, death is never the answer!

[@jujutrini8412]

The UK government won’t even let us have cannabis for pain relief. It would be crazy to let this happen and they haven’t even given people help for pain and mental health just because they are scared to allow psychedelic therapies and cannabis to be used!

[@lukemurray4950]

I'm not overly in favour of cannabis beyond REAL medical use but the idea that this assisted dying is even being considered instead of a wide range of treatment options is just sick.

[@jujutrini8412]

@ I know, right? There has been so much research and advancement in treatment for different kinds of mental anguish and pain meds and they have not done anything to ease people’s suffering. I remember Prince Harry talking about treatments he had for ptsd and I have heard other people having similar treatments- they’re not readily available on the NHS after all this time! Also things like microdosing on the compounds in magic mushrooms is being used for depression in some places. DMT, MDMA and other psychotropic type medications could help various conditions. I agree with the medical use of cannabis wholeheartedly as it has been shown to work! I don’t trust the government in this action because they show they don’t really care about our welfare by neglecting to give us medical treatments that work for pain and mental ill health.

[@JohnColorado3811]

Wow, that is so fundamentally wrong.

[@brianferguson7840]

WHY should rich and healthy people in any government have the right to decide whether someone's life is or isn't bearable. My life, My Choice.

[@EdwardLindon]

Um, yes, that is in fact the point.

[@lukemurray4950]

When someone is suicidal, their choice may not be what they actually want and with the right treatment, they will not feel that way. Just like me. It's beyond sick that rich and powerful people want this instead of giving people the help they need.

[@neillaw]

@@lukemurray4950this assumes help is a solution, for many that is very much not the case You're right IF it's this, but many are not within this slice of the pie and this mindset is a sweeping control over people's own lives, everyone should have choice over their own life

[@gazevans1038]

@@lukemurray4950 And when the treatment cease to work ... what then?

[@DawnAAA]

​@@gazevans1038 not all who would want this are terminally ill. What are you on??

[@Agra586]

People are going to end their own life if they deem it necessary. Having medical professionals assist just helps with that person pass more peacefully. No one has to stumble upon a gruesome scene and wonder what that person was thinking in their last moments

[@lukemurray4950]

If people are going to take their own life, they need help not to. Not assistance to do so. Opinions like these are stomach turning.

[@gazevans1038]

They will now be able to spend their final moments with their loved ones.

[@Belihoney]

I completely support this and hope the UK is sensible about this. The problem is suffering and cynicism seems to be baked lnto the British personality so lets see.

[@lukemurray4950]

What is wrong with you? How can you support this? You have no respect for life and don't want to treat people as being worthy of life.

[@Belihoney]

@ and forcing someone to live a life they don't want, full of pain mind you, is respectful?

[@hjvhjfv6320]

​@@Belihoney We have lost all understanding of the meaning of suffering. It honestly horrifies me that people in their 20s are choosing to end their lives because of mental health problems. You can say they will be thoroughly checked out by psychiatrists, but psychiatrists do not challenge the beliefs of their patients.

[@thisismetoday]

Many young women with mental health issues have been ignored, because women have been disregarded and dismissed in health care for decades (centuries). I don’t want to know how many women are running around with ADHD depression for example, who have been put on anti-depressives because they have never been diagnosed with ADHD, and the meds have never worked for them, ‘cause they are the wrong meds!! It must be tens of thousands!! And that’s just one example. Most drugs are developed for men, most medical trials are done based on men, most testing and reference points are based on men.

[@KJellyBeanut]

Pretty sure this is me, add on physical symptoms that were ignored for years and I'm a mess. If things get worse, I want this to be an option and for anyone else suffering.

[@lougiacobbi725]

Every person who states you shouldn't have the right to decide your end of life choices yourself believes that you are a commodity, not a person. Every. Single. One.

[@SamWilkinsonn]

There have been survivors of sue icide that say they regretted their decision either as they were going through with it or afterwards. People that state they shouldn’t may love them and think they’re making the wrong decision or many other legitimate concerns.

[@briankerrison8504]

@@SamWilkinsonnwith this they have plenty of time.. plenty of discussions.. 🤔

[@SamWilkinsonn]

@@briankerrison8504 true. I’m pro-euthanasia btw I just disagreed with the original commenter’s judgemental approach to some that understandably aren’t so sure about it.

[@globalist1990]

It's not being put on those terms. 1. Anyone can end their life regardless of the law, how do you penalise the dead? 2. It's about assisting and in what terms. 3. It's also about safeguarding against coercion and not make it a standard practice to avoid costs on the nhs.

[@happy2learnandgrow]

'Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding.'

[@alia7368]

I have a friend with muscular dystrophy, age in their 40s, living in Oslo and has for years fought their country with their indecisive laws to give them adequate home aid services to simply WASH THEIR PERSON on a weekly basis. Sometimes having to go nine to ten days before an aide arrives to their home, while living in the power wheelchair contorted to their body, riddled in bed sore. Their country wants to institutionalize rather than allow some autonomy to live independently and Norwegian county municipal laws protect the aide workers and ambulance from practices of having to lift a patient (in my friends case, weighs less than 39 kilos) rather than the care of movement. In their despair, I living in the US have used the internet to call upon strangers from the heavy metal music community to go to their house to aid in BASIC HUMAN NEEDS because Norway fails to aid them. I feel powerless that my friend would rather end their suffering then live on with the two options facing their existence in their very powerful country.

[@JIm-ib3tw]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. They deserve so much better care that will look after their basic needs while giving them the emotional caring and individual quality of life they need. How can it be that a country as rich as Norway ignore such people, bravely living with such a condition? These lifting rules are unnecessary too. People can be trained to lift safely, and lifting aids are available. Sometimes there are properly vetted students, who are interested in people, capable and who would appreciate accommodation and a small payment in return for a few hours caring for someone..

[@Mr.Edd3905]

Just allow it for everyone (like in Soylent Green). We could all just end the misery right now.

[@jamesupton4996]

And hunger.

[@elram2649]

Unchecked social media definitely has a dark hand at these young ladies having committed suicide. I'm very sure of it.

[@LoneWulf278]

I absolutely agree.

[@hollyrowlands6943]

Young men too. I bet the stat is closer to 50/50 and of course we understand in some contexts the male suicide rate is as much at 80%. The difference is often male suicide goes unreported by the men themselves as men especially are not encouraged to discuss their mental health. In my opinion, young women are only brought up in this context as it is much easier to garner sympathy for "beautiful young women are killing themselves with assisted dying!!" to get people emotional and more likely to combat the legalisation of assisted dying, without considering the very logical reasons why it should be legal (with safeguards of course).

[@Blossoming-o6r]

In what way?

[@LoneWulf278]

@@hollyrowlands6943 In the video, they discussed the exponential spike in its use among females. That’s the difference. It’s remained the same among males. So I definitely think it has something to do with an increase in social media use (AKA social contagion theory).

[@zoranblackie5921]

@@elram2649 Molly Russell story case in point, we need to have proper discussions around mental health as well as death and dying

[@PrimitiveFuturologist_YTC]

Why target one province? What are the stats for the rest of the country?

[@suzyvegalicious5646]

I believe that we have to be very careful when making decisions about assisted dying for depression and anxiety. I say that because for 10 years in my 50's I had severe clinical depression and nothing helped me to feel better. I was on so many pharmaceuticals and went to hospital a few times. It felt unbearable every day. One day I decided to ask for help from a very professional alternative practitioner. I put myself in his hands and bit by bit I got completely well again. I realized that the pharma drugs were just making things worse and also the feeling of being unsupported. Before I started seeing this therapist I also wanted to go overseas for assisted dying. So I realized that the complete change in therapies and the feeling of being cared for and supported was the reason that I got well and I was glad that I had not taken the other option. I had a son who wouldn't have been happy to lose his mother and I also didn't want to leave my beautiful and loyal dog alone either.

[@MissRG_THFC]

For physical health, I am all for assisted dying. But not for mental health issue. We as a country (and world) need to put more money, research, and time into mental health issues before allowing this here.

[@VoornaamAchternaam-kr4vk]

The people in the Netherlands that are allowed assisted death in case of mental problems really have severe mental illness for years and everything has been tried. But it is fairly new that for mental illness it is allowed and there is still a debate about it, and there's an doctor who has assisted quite a lot and he is controversial and gets critique as well.

[@zoranblackie5921]

I would want to avoid the suffering for me personally, but I can totally understand the potential for abuse - however I've been satisfied with the proposed UK safeguards, but the fear for many disabled people is real... the most important thing is that we need to have open discussion about death and dying

[@Basic190]

It’s not something you can just do. It can take months and is not something taken lightly.

[@user-ff4zd7lh3q]

@@Basic190disabled non verbal people are at risk of hospitals deciding to end their life. We told that my son could be denied picu ie life support. Yes to patients choosing, no to drs deciding

[@GregOrCreg]

Well said. I think the bill, as drafted, is necessary whilst also providing important safeguards, but I'd be very concerned about pushing the floodgates any further beyond this, should it be enacted. Individuals should have autonomous control over their life, particularly if they're suffering intense pain, but I'd be scared if we made it easier for governments and doctors to decide to end people's lives simply because they were disabled or mentally ill, and the state was 'unable' to properly address their needs.

[@GregOrCreg]

@@Basic190 That doesn't change the legitimate fear some people have. The OP said they approve of the proposed law. Their fear, as is mine, is what happens in future if future governments decide to go beyond this law. That's NOT an argument for not supporting this bill; I *do* on balance support this bill and believe it should become law. But it is an argument to be cautious and vigilent about any future attempts to push the scope of assisted dying.

[@VoornaamAchternaam-kr4vk]

In the Netherlands its only possible if you are fully mental capable and also are able to talk or express it very clearly. That's a problem for people with dementia or alzheimer, before they got ill the may have said they wanted euthanasia in case of dementia, but once they have it, doctors often can't say with certainty that they still want this so then they won't be able to get euthanasia

[@Zandoerlenaar]

You should ignore that doc with his obvious religious motivations. I dont wanna live by your religious rules, dont force me to live with them. I want the freedom to use my own moral grounds when it comes to my own life, not the ones who believe in some fairytale

[@globalist1990]

What doctor are you talking about? The one suggesting a 28 years+ limit? He hardly sounds like a religious fanatic, specially if you compare him to the ones in the usa.

[@sylviamontaez3889]

since when does stating I oppose euthanasia on religious grounds somehow imposing something? U wouldn't say that if someone told you they supported it for religious reasons

[@elram2649]

Very interesting topic. 🤔 Congrats, LBC, for the coverage.👍

[@JohnColorado3811]

I volunteer with a riverside suicide prevention group, many times people who were prevented from taking their life have come back to thank us. I totally understand extreme mental and phisical pain, where suicide seems like the only way out, but suicide is rarely the sulution.

[@clearspira]

Which is why you have safeguards in place. It is that simple.

[@alia7368]

I do agree on going through a rigourous process to verbalizing between health professionals to receive the SERVICE of Assistance. But I want these health professionals to be vetted as well for the committees they serve. Economic value on a long-term projection should also be apart of the conversation. I understand these two countries are vastly different than here in the US. I was born with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele and after birth, diagnosed with Hydrocephalus. As I approach my fifties shortly, I would want the law be on my side to allow such a decision. I live my life to the fullest, for sure, as I have survived this long, but I cut the cord as it were when I cannot comprehend such an acceptance to continue in a vegetative state (such as Terry Schiavo or Lesli Briggs.) and dependency on a healthcare system with such horrible circumstances. IE I live in America and disabled/elderly care is costly with long queues to receive assistance for care.

[@atumka3972]

Legalise cannabis first. Give it a try 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@marjabeverwijk5630]

It is not officially legal, but we have a tolerated policy in the Netherlands, and within the rules of personal use, you can buy a maximum of 5 grams of cannabis at a coffee shop from the age of 18.

[@Zandoerlenaar]

This has no relation with assisted dying...

[@mariabrown6926]

Who tf wants that live of this planet?

[@wendysimpson6395]

I have a living Will that allows me the choice to have a dignified exit on my terms should it be necessary. It's a huge relief.

[@user-wn3uz9qn4t]

This is just my opinion. I believe that if people want to end their lives, then they should be able to with dignity and respect. Freedom of choice also means how we choose to die and when.

[@neillaw]

There is no greater freedom than choice over YOUR OWN life, people who think their choice over your life is correct is arrogant AF... Incredible entitlement and control by selfish people

[@carrie5490]

So glad this bill passed. Hopefully it can be extended in time to give the option to others .

[@afri-dancer9967]

I am not sure if I would have the courage to make such a decision for myself.

[@GregOrCreg]

But I hope you wouldn't expect anyone else to make it for you, because, ultimately, this is about giving autonomy to individuals, rather than letting anyone else determine whether you should live or die.

[@paolagrando5079]

Which is fine. You should decide not to do that.

[@JohnColorado3811]

Legalise cannabis for medical use, improve mental health services at he NHS, and maybe then and only then should we talk about assisted suicide.

[@paulheydarian1281]

This was a misinformation hit piece about *Youth in Asia.* 😉

[@Lavern-b3e]

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[@Rufus-t3n]

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[@Lavern-b3e]

It's Maria Angelina Alexander doing she's changed my life. A BROKER- like her is what you need.

[@Lavern-b3e]

She is my family' personal Broker and also a personal Broker to many families in the United states, she is a licensed broker and a FINRA AGENT in the United States.

[@Jason-ho8wr]

Wait, where's the part where they ask the government for permission first?!?!?

[@dufud]

It should be allowed in the uk . Crazy to think it’s not .

[@jujutrini8412]

UK won’t even let us have cannabis or psychedelic microdosing for medical purposes in the main so it’s not surprising at all. The government in the UK doesn’t really care about the health of the population.

[@katmax7451]

A bedouin traveller was in the desert with his Camel. A sandstorm is soon upon them. The Bedouin quickly puts up his tent and will be protected. As the storm whips up, the camel knocks on the tent and asks. Can I please put my ears in the tent that they may be protected. The sand is making it very uncomfortable!! Without hesitation the Bedouin with a big heart allows him to put his ears in the tent. No sooner had the camel received this protection when he asked if he could put his eyes in the tent that his eyes may be protected. Without a thought the Bedouin agrees. The camel just a short time later is now asking for his nose to be protected and possibly his shoulders. . After requesting for more and more protection the camel is now fully in the tent. The Bedouin traveller is now out in the sandstorm with no protection. He gave up his rights to shelter when he was tempted by the camel so many times that he gave up all rights to his tent and protection. If we think for one minute we are protecting our rights you are being deceived. Stop and think carefully before you open the flap of your tent. Where is this now leading! These are evil practices and we need to think carefully about what we are agreeing to. It may appear perfectly reasonable but the devil wears many disguises. He lulls people away, pacifies them into a false sense of security. We are falling in to a trap that we will never get out of. We are giving up our right to live! 😢

[@globalist1990]

The only issue here, as i see it, is how to safeguard from coercion and political choices to cut funding to the nhs.

[@GregOrCreg]

Of course, everyone should be free to determine their own life (including the right to take it) BUT anyone who is remotely relaxed or complacent about the idea of large numbers of young women choosing to end it all, is nothing but a virulent misogynist, or at least someone who is unwittingly upholding a misogynist agenda. Shame on you, if that's you.

[@VoornaamAchternaam-kr4vk]

It's not large numbers, it's very rare and the ones that get it are severely mental ill for years and years. In those cases it's either the choice of a secretive lonely suicide in a horrible way, or standing by them and have loving last months and with friends and family in which everyone has the time to say goodbye and be there when the person dies. It's very hard for parents to support their child in this way because it goes against their natural instinct because of course they don't want their child to die. So all of this really isn't just done, it's a process of a long time.

[@GregOrCreg]

@@VoornaamAchternaam-kr4vk I feel nothing but compassion for the women who have chosen this path, and I feel bad for their families, if they didn't do anything to precipitate their actions, but, ultimately, if women who are physically healthy and not terminally ill are choosing this option, society as a whole has FAILED them. I speak as someone who has suffered various mental illnesses since childhood. There is almost always another choice, but we have to help vulnerable people see and feel that.

[@paolagrando5079]

As much as I want the freedom to decide about myself and have the law that allows that for everyone, I want at the same time a research to be made why people of a specific group wants to do that and if it can be avoided changing things in the society.

[@nataliagriffiths8626]

I would like similar law in the UK to Belgium or Holland. I would like the option should I get cancer or Dementia. Or when I can not cope anymore with the Aspergers and Chronic Depression. It just would gives a sence of relief to have the option. I still believe that it should be an indervidual choice. I hope that those who want to keep living can get the help and have their choice too. There is always the worry of people being pressured though. Unfortunately there will always be crime and injustice in the world.

[@danielcox9504]

But what has it got to do with the youth in Asia? Its a bit racialist innit?

[@robertcreighton4635]

I had man flu last year ugh it was vile. If i get it again I'm flying out to Holland. No more suffering

[@origamikami3486]

Man flu?

[@jokemmerling4875]

Your ridiculous and you know it.

[@paolagrando5079]

Making fun on a serious matter. You must be great to be with.

[@robertcreighton4635]

@paolagrando5079 oh dear I made something awful amusing and I'm bad. Ffs you recognised it was humour so grow up you baby 👶

[@johnrussell3961]

I never knew being dutch was that bad.

[@origamikami3486]

It’s not

[@calcoable]

Are we normilising suicide now? Life is hard the new generations need to learn that....if you are old I understand maybe but a 20 year old? come on if they are suffering from deppresion then something needs to change with the society which the goverments dont want to deal with as Money and making money is the most important for them......

[@monkeybudge]

The Dutch are not a consumerist society. Might be an issue in other countries, but not generally for the Dutch.

[@Zandoerlenaar]

this isnt about "life is hard" nonsense. This is about mental illness, physical illness.

[@calcoable]

@@Zandoerlenaar our grand parents lived harder lives and they didnt have this, more than finding an easy solution, we need to look at the source of the issue, I am reffering mostly to deppresion in youngsters just to make things clear

[@renatopotato]

​@@calcoable because no one committed suicide in that period. Come on. I agree we need to pay much more attention to the underlying issues, but people have been taking their own lives probably forever. All those people couldn't bear it anymore, whatever it was.

[@GregOrCreg]

I agree with a lot of what you say, but this "life is hard the new generations need to learn that" rhetoric is unhelpful and lacking in the compassion needed to help people find value in their lives. Tough medicine isn't the answer. The answer is compassion and making depressed people feel they have a reason to live. What effect do you think judgement will have on them? It won't be positive.

[@metalboostable]

Depression is not a death sentence.

[@DollyMiddleton-ke1yp]

Young people that’s sad. Lack of sun 🌞 has an effect on depression. Been studies done in Alaska. They need more help with depression. Support groups, maybe? I have lived with chronic disease for decades. So I understand the chronic illness causing serious depression.

[@shumonchoudhury9957]

This is crazy

[@EsotericPrinciplesOfLight]

Stoicism

[@Lee-bv6iv]

Errrm, Confucianism? Errrm Cartesianism? Am I doing this correctly?

[@rightpath4272]

So sad

[@rightpath4272]

Um how do they knw its painless?

[@hollyrowlands6943]

Any pain that might be experienced by assisted dying is not comparable to the pain someone has to live with in order to consider assisted dying.

[@sevena.channel]

@@hollyrowlands6943 exactly 👏👏

[@reefnreefer]

You think that your brain activity & therefore pain receptors can't be monitored? You simply fall into a deep sleep, & then .......you're offline.

[@ΑΣΔΦΓΗΞΚΛ]

​@@reefnreeferbut, what dreams may come?

[@jamesupton4996]

There is of course no possible data on what the experience of assisted dying is like.