Category Archives: Euthanasia

The soap actress was axed after saying she's considered assisted suicide

CORONATION Street star Claire King has been sacked from her role as Smart Energy spokesperson and may even lose her fee after she claimed she would consider assisted suicide.

The 56-year-old, who plays Erica Holyroyd in the ITV soap, has been ditched from from the role after her remarks about euthanasia caused controversy.

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In a recent interview plugging the companys energy-saving Smart Meter, Claire told how she was considering ending her life should she become a burden to friends and family as she ages, after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

She said: I do worry about when Im older and becoming a burden on people around me.

I can understand why people choose assisted dying and its getting to the point where I would consider it myself.

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But sources close to the company have said that her comments have upset bosses, leading to her being given the boot.

A source said: They couldnt believe her comments and definitely dont want to be associated with any of that.

This could even lead to her losing her fee entirely.

Claire is leaving Corrie this summer after three years, but the role is expected to be kept open for her to return in the future.

She said: Its been a dream come true to tread those famous cobbles. I was only meant to stay for six weeks initially, so for Erica to be so popular that she stayed for three years and even worked in The Rovers was a real compliment to me as an actress.

ITV

Ive had such a great time with the cast and crew, so its fabulous that they have left the door open for Erica to return in the future.

"Who knows what adventures shell be getting up to away from the Street? Shes certainly not boring.

As for me, Im ready for another challenge. Im not leaving the screens anytime soon, so watch this space.

A spokesperson for Smart Energy GB declined to comment.

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Coronation Street star Claire King sacked as Smart Energy ... - The Sun

Premier Mark McGowan has thrown his support behind a push for a parliamentary inquiry into legalising euthanasia for terminally ill patients.

The West Australian can reveal the Labor caucus will vote next week on whether to launch a cross-party inquiry into voluntary euthanasia, with the aim of reporting after a year.

Mr McGowan said he would support the establishment of a special parliamentary committee. It is a suitable way forward for this matter to be carefully considered, he said.

Mr McGowan has supported calls for euthanasia reform in the past but indicated it was a conscience issue for Labor MPs.

A Labor source said the committee would allow for a widespread community debate.

(Euthanasia) came up during the election campaign a lot and the community expects us to have the conversation, the source said.

The West Australian understands if the caucus vote endorses the inquiry, it will be modelled on the one held in 2015 by the Victorian Parliament, which recommended legislation of assisted dying for people suffering from serious and incurable conditions.

The proposed committee comes after several government ministers flagged support for the issue in the past six months.

In December, Labor candidate and now Government frontbencher Alannah Mac-JUTiernan and Greens MP Robin Chapple led a push to have a private members Bill legalising euthanasia moved in Parliament before the end of this year.

In March, Health Minister Roger Cook said he supported voluntary euthanasia. He indicated the Government would not introduce legislation but would support individual MPs bids to introduce a private members Bill.

I support voluntary euthanasia and I think we need to legislate to enable people to take control of their lives in their final stages, he said.

The Victorian inquiry, which reported last year, received more than 1000 submissions from medical and legal experts. In its final report, the committee recommended the legalisation, in limited circumstances, of assisted dying.

Since the report and after advice from two medical professionals, the Government drafted legislation to offer euthanasia as an option for terminally ill patients who have less than a year left to live.

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Labor to vote on legalising euthanasia inquiry for WA Parliament - The West Australian

Story Highlights

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As right-to-die legislation is under debate in many states, 73% of U.S. adults say a doctor should be allowed to end a terminally ill patient's life by painless means if the patient requests it. This is in line with the 69% to 70% Gallup has recorded since 2013, but much higher than support for euthanasia before 1990.

These data come from Gallup's annual Values and Beliefs poll, conducted May 3-7. Last month, the Nevada state senate voted narrowly to advance legislation that would allow terminally ill patients in the state the option to end their lives. Maine's House of Representatives rejected similar legislation that same week, however, after it barely passed in the state Senate.

According to the Death with Dignity National Center, five states and the District of Columbia currently have "death with dignity" statutes that "allow mentally competent adult state residents who have a terminal illness with a confirmed prognosis of having six or fewer months to live to voluntarily request and receive a prescription medication to hasten their inevitable, imminent death." The District of Columbia, however, could be barred from funding its recently passed law under President Donald Trump's proposed budget.

Support for euthanasia is nearly double what it was when Gallup first polled on the question in 1947, when 37% said it should be allowed by law. By 1973, a slim majority of 53% supported it. Since 1990, solid majorities of Americans have expressed support for euthanasia, ranging from 64% to 75%.

Smaller Majorities of Weekly Churchgoers, Conservatives Support Euthanasia

Gallup has found that people's views on the subject often differ based on their religious and political persuasions. A slim majority of weekly churchgoers (55%) support allowing a doctor to end a terminally ill patient's life through painless means upon request, whereas nearly nine in 10 adults who rarely if ever go to church say this should be allowed (87%).

The issue is somewhat less divisive among party and ideological groups. About nine in 10 liberals (89%) support euthanasia, compared with 79% of moderates and 60% of conservatives. Also, 81% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents as well as 67% of Republicans and Republican leaners say euthanasia should be allowed.

Support for Euthanasia, by Group

When a person has a disease that cannot be cured, do you think doctors should be allowed by law to end the patient's life by some painless means if the patient and his or her family request it?

Support for Doctor-Assisted Suicide Now Similar to That for Euthanasia

Since 1996, Gallup has asked a separate question about a practice related to euthanasia -- whether doctors should be allowed to assist a terminally ill patient living in severe pain "to commit suicide if the patient requests it." Currently, 67% say doctors should be allowed to do so. This is on the higher end of what Gallup has measured historically. Consistent majorities have expressed support for doctor-assisted suicide in Gallup's trend since the question was first asked in the late 1990s. The low point was 51% in 2013.

Americans have historically responded less favorably to the "doctor-assisted suicide" question than to the euthanasia item, but the gap has diminished in recent years. From 1996 through 2013, an average of 58% supported doctor-assisted suicide, while 69% supported euthanasia. Since then, the averages are 65% and 70%, respectively. The diminished gap could be a result of greater exposure to the issue as some states have passed "death with dignity" laws. Additionally, Americans have recently expressed more liberal views on a variety of issues.

It should be noted that, for many "death with dignity" advocates, semantics are important. According to the American Public Health Association, "Medical and legal experts have recognized that the term 'suicide' or 'assisted suicide' is inappropriate when discussing the choice of a mentally competent terminally ill patient to seek medications that he or she could consume to bring about a peaceful and dignified death." Americans, too, may see less of a distinction between euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide than they have in the past.

Views on Moral Acceptability of Doctor-Assisted Suicide

Since 2001, Gallup has measured Americans' views on the moral acceptability of doctor-assisted suicide along with more than a dozen other issues.

In the latest poll, 57% of Americans say doctor-assisted suicide is morally acceptable -- the highest, by one percentage point, in Gallup's trend.

With 67% of Americans saying doctors should be allowed to assist terminally ill patients in committing suicide but 57% saying it is morally acceptable, some segment of the public thinks it should be legal even though they do not find it a morally acceptable practice.

Bottom Line

In the past year, death with dignity legislation has gone into effect in two states, California and Colorado, and legislation has been passed in the District of Columbia. Though the movement appears to have stalled at least temporarily with legislative roadblocks in Maine and Nevada, Americans' support for the practice remains high.

While Gallup has found that solid majorities support euthanasia in recent decades, the current level of support is on the high end of this trend.

Americans' views on euthanasia have evolved, generally becoming more liberal, and could shift further as states continue to debate a suffering patient's right to die. But support for euthanasia has not been a steady, upward climb; unique cases like those of Terri Schiavo and, more recently, Brittany Maynard, have influenced the national conversation. For the time being, more than two-thirds of national adults continue to support euthanasia -- with majorities in favor even among the least supportive groups, such as weekly churchgoers.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted May 3-7, 2017, with a random sample of 1,011 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For results based on the half-sample of 518 national adults who were asked about euthanasia and the half sample of 493 national adults who were asked about doctor-assisted suicide, the margin of sampling error is 5 percentage points. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 70% cellphone respondents and 30% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.

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Majority of Americans Remain Supportive of Euthanasia | Gallup - Gallup

In a bid to increase pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia rates at Morgan County Animal Control, newly hired Director Darren Tucker has expanded adoption hours to include Saturday.

Tucker said the shelter took in 108 dogs and 103 cats during his first month on the job. It surrendered 17 cats and 12 dogs to rescue groups and adopted out another three cats and five dogs to new homes.

It also euthanized 42 dogs and 66 cats, he said. Noting that some animals are not adoptable for health reasons and that the shelter has limited space and resources, Tucker called euthanasia at the public shelter a necessary evil.

But he also said he is hoping to reduce the shelters euthanasia rates by increasing adoptions and encouraging more county residents to spay and neuter their pets.

The shelter is now open from 9 to 11:30 a.m. each Saturday, starting this past weekend. Normally, the shelter, located in Hartselle, has been only open for adoptions 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tucker said he is hopeful the expanded hours allow more people to visit the shelter, increasing the odds of pets getting adopted.

Were blessed to have a lot of no-kill shelters that come through here, but just to be perfectly honest, if you have two or three rescue groups that come through and then you have people who want to adopt a dog come through and that animal is still in the kennel, it doesnt look good, and you can only keep them for so long, he said.

Tucker is also planning an open house from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 29 to help raise awareness about the shelter and its animals which he said is the greatest challenge for the moment and to educate the public about the importance of vaccinations, the countys leash laws, and the need to spay and neuter pets.

A lot of people arent aware that in the county we have a leash law, he said.

While prices have not been solidified, the open house will feature reduced-cost adoptions, pending the results of fundraising efforts through the sale of T-shirts and animal-identification microchips.

Tucker said a local veterinarian technician is volunteering her services to microchip pets for a reduced cost of about $15 during the open house. The revenue will help reduce adoption costs, he said, and pet owners are asked to schedule microchipping in advance to ensure there are enough time slots.

Tucker said he is also taking pre-orders for T-shirts as part of a fundraiser to reduce adoption costs. Current adoption prices are $110 for a dog and $80 for a cat. That covers the cost of spaying and neutering, health checks and vaccinations.

May numbers at the shelter were up from March, when the shelter took in 65 dogs, 22 cats, turned over 24 to rescue groups and euthanized nine dogs and eight cats, according to County Commission Chairman Ray Long.

At Decatur Animal Services, Kennel Manager Kari Hallman said adoption rates and dropoffs generally increase this time of year, because of litter season and because kids are out of school for the summer and more likely to adopt.

The Decatur shelter took in 90 cats and 139 dogs in May. It euthanized 26 dogs, including 11 sick or injured and 15 feral dogs, and 60 cats, including 15 that were aggressive toward people or other animals, 28 sick or injured, 10 feral cats and seven at their owner's request.

For anyone looking to adopt an animal that might not otherwise find an owner, Hallman said adult dogs and cats, especially black ones, are at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting the eye of a potential new owner.

They dont even see them. They tend to walk by them and go to the brown dog, she said.

Additionally, dogs with any health problems are less likely to be adopted, she said.

No one wants high euthanasia rates, said Brian Lundberg, manager of Decatur Animal Services. I think the best answer is the most obvious, spay and neuter awareness, and actually practicing it.

Lundberg said most people do a good job at that, but we need everyone onboard to make real tangible progress.

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New Morgan animal shelter director wants to curb euthanasia ... - The Decatur Daily

Support for Euthanasia Holds Steady

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Monday, June 12, 2017

Massachusetts is the latest state considering whether to legalize physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, and just over half of Americans support such a law.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 51% of American Adults favor allowing voluntary euthanasia in the state where they live. Twenty-nine percent (29%) are opposed to such a law, but a sizable 20% remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want afree daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available onTwitterorFacebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on June 6-7, 2017 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted byPulse Opinion Research, LLC. Seemethodology.

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We conduct public opinion polls on a variety of topics to inform our audience on events in the news and other topics of interest. To ensure editorial control and independence, we pay for the polls ourselves and generate revenue through the sale of subscriptions, sponsorships, and advertising. Nightly polling on politics, business and lifestyle topics provides the content to update the Rasmussen Reports web site many times each day. If it's in the news, it's in our polls. Additionally, the data drives a daily update newsletter and various media outlets across the country.

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Support for Euthanasia Holds Steady - Rasmussen Reports - Rasmussen Reports

A UK actress has announced she is seriously pondering euthanasia due to fears of being a burden when she can no longer care of herself. From the Manchester Evening News story:

Actress Claire King had revealed that she is considering euthanasia after being diagnosed with a degenerative disease. Claire, who plays Erica Holroyd in Corrie, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease where the bodys own immune system attacks the joints.

The 54-year-old actress developed rheumatoid arthritis in the early 90s and she has had joints removed and plates put in her fingers as a result of the condition. Former Emmerdale star Claire, who is divorced and has no children, worries about becoming a burden when she gets older and understands why people consider assisted dying.

Speaking with the Sunday Mirror she said: I can understand why people choose assisted dying and its getting to the point where I would consider it myself. Im not going to be hurting any offspring as I havent got any. Most of my family will be gone. Its not a selfish thing. Its a decision at a certain age, when youre becoming a burden to others.

We can all empathize with those fears. But note: Kingsdesire to die has to do withexistential anguish, not unbearable pain, which is euthanasias selling point.

Studies from Oregon and Canada show that the request to die is overwhelmingly caused by such anguish. But heres the thing: Such despaircan often be alleviatedwith appropriate mental health and sociological interventions.

But in our rush to honor lethal choice, we often deny people the very help that could restore their desire to live.

Worse, when we say, Of course you want to die, here are your poison pills or lethal jabwe confirm the despairing persons worst fears about themselves. In essence, we are telling them: Yes, you are a burden. Yes, your life isnt worth living. Yes, we are better off if you are dead.

Euthanasia is many things, but true compassionwhich means to suffer withisnt one of them.

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Euthanasia Abandons Despairing People to Worst Fears - National Review

As much as their owners would like them to, pets don't live forever at some point, many people are forced tohavea difficult conversation with their veterinarian about euthanasia.

Dr. Ted Morris spoke with Daybreak Alberta this week about when it's time to consider putting your pet down.

Here is an edited version of their conversation.

Q. How often do you see pet owners struggle with this?

A.All the time. It's a really difficult decision for people to make and it's a really personal one.

Some people don't want to watch their pets go downhill at all. They want their memories of their pet to be when they were happy and healthy.

There's the flip side of that, some people won't let go until they know they've exhausted every possible avenue of treatment.

Veterinary students examine a cat at the CUPS pet health clinic. Dr. Ted Morris says quality of life is the most important thing to consider when it may be time to put your pet down. (CBC)

Q. How symbolic is putting a dog down?

A.It's a feeling of giving up. There's so much emotion wrapped up in it.Even with my own dog, I probably waited a week too long before bringing her in.

Q. What are some warning signs to watch for?

A.Look for symptoms like around the clock pain,daily vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite not eating for 2 days or more andnot being able to still do things that make them happy.

Q. When do you performeuthanasia with the pet owner present?

A.It's a mix. Many do stay. I would allow for owners to make decisions about the process. Whether it's bringing in a group of friends, lighting candles, saying prayers or playing music.

I'm notorious for turning euthanasias into wakes, if I can. We will do whatever you need.

Q. What do you say to those who refuse the process of euthanasia?

A.Whether a moral or religious issue, the focus then becomes palliative and longevity care. I'd recommend using a lot of painkillers.

If you have the time or dedication to do it, there's absolutely nothing wrong with hospice care.The only thing that's unacceptable is to do nothing.

We owe it to [animals], as compassionate pet owners, to do something to ease their end of life.

Q. When have you declined putting a pet down?

A.First, I'll find out what's going on, and see if there's an issue to be worked on.

The time I really won't do it is if it's for what vets call a "convenience-euthanasia," which is basically someone saying,"I don't want this perfectly healthy animal anymore. There's nothing wrong with them, but I just don't want them."

Euthanasiatakes a bit of an emotional toll.

Q. Does it take a toll on you?

A.It's sad every time. I've known a lot of animalsfor their whole lives.I reserve it for pets who need it.

With files from Daybreak Alberta

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Pet euthanasia: Finding peace putting animals down - CBC.ca

Parliament will debate legalising voluntary euthanasia after Act Party leader David Seymour's private member's bill was drawn from the ballot on Thursday.

The controversial bill represents the best chance for voluntary euthanasia to be legalised in New Zealand, although the issue is deeply polarising. Many MPs, including Prime Minister Bill English, are firmly opposed.

The End of Life Choice Bill would allow mentally competent New Zealand adults who have a terminal illness likely to end their life within six months, or have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, the choice to ask a doctor to help end their life at the time of their choosing.

Columnist fortheManawatu Standardand comedian Tim Batt discuss their views on the billand the timing of the debate.

LISTEN ABOVE: Liam Hehir and Tim Batt speak to Andrew Dickens

READ MORE:David Seymour's euthanasia bill drawn from ballot

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The Panel: Liam Hehir and Tim Batt on euthanasia - Newstalk ZB

The Victorian government will introduce assisted dying laws within months.Photo: Jason South

Opponents of voluntary euthanasia have warned Premier Daniel Andrews "the gloves are off" as they mount an aggressive campaign in some of Labor's most volatile seats ahead of the next Victorian election.

As the government prepares to introduce an assisted dying bill into parliament within months, critics have vowed to derail the legislation and electorally punish MPs who endup supporting it when it comes to a conscience vote later this year.

Right to Life has already taken out ads in suburban newspapers across Mr Andrews' Mulgrave seat, telling his constituents that the government is seeking to legalise "patient killing".

The group will also spend the next few months letter-boxing voters with similar messages in the ultra marginal electorates of Frankston, Carrum, Bentleigh and Mordialloc, and have organised for Oregon-based anti-euthanasia advocate Professor William LToffler to talk to Spring Street MPs this month as well as run a forum in the Premier's electorate.

"We're taking the fight right up to the enemy," said spokeswoman Margaret Tighe. "The gloves are off."

While the Premier, most of his ministers, the Sex Party and the Greens are in favour of law reform, others are not, such as Deputy Premier James Merlino, Opposition leader Matthew Guy and many socially conservative Liberals and crossbenchers. However, the majority of Spring Street's 128 MPs are yet to say whether they support assisted dying, or are waiting to see the final details.

Both sides admit that the outcome could be extremely close, just as it was in South Australia where a similar bill was defeated last year by only one vote. Furthermore, with about a dozenLabor and Coalition seats requiring swings of only 3 per cent or less to change hands, anemotive campaign could prove effective in swaying some MPs to vote against the bill for fear of abacklash.

Separately, the Australian Christian Lobby has stepped up its attack, urging supporters to pressure their local MPs,while accusing Labor of breaking an election promise not to introduce an assisted dying bill if it won government.

Documents show the pledge was made on the eve of the 2014 election, when Labor was asked to "rule out any attempt to bring on another vote on euthanasia". The written reply, seen by The Sunday Age, states that the while Mr Andrews and his team had plans to reform advance care directives and palliative care, "Labor does not support legislation beyond these provisions at this time".

"The government is underestimating the feeling in the community about this, and the community has very little trust in the ability of the government to get this right," said ACL state president Dan Flynn.

However, a spokesman for the Premier replied: "This is a very personal issue and there will be passionate views on both sides of the debate.We will ensure the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill has strong safeguards in place that will allow Victorians to have a choice at the end of their lives."

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Assisted dying: anti-euthanasia forces launch 'gloves off' campaign in key seats - The Age

JAMIE SMALL

Last updated18:08, June 10 2017

GEORGE HEARD/FAIRFAX NZ

Professor Jan Bernheim from Belgium is considered one of the world's leading experts in palliative care and euthanasia.

Professor Jan Bernheimplanned his pro-euthanasia tour of New Zealand months ago, but had the good luck to be here when the parliamentary biscuit tin brought the issue into public debate.

Bernheim, a medical doctor and palliative care specialist from Belgium, spoke at a public meeting in Christchurch on Saturday.

Hesaid he was in Wellington on Thursday when ACT leader David Seymour'sEnd of Life Choice bill was drawn from Parliament's ballot.

Nearly 100attended the meeting, and notall were in favour of Bernheim'smessage.

READ MORE: *MPs to vote on euthanasia after bill places the issue back in front of Parliament *Duncan Garner: A matter of life and death - now's the time to choose the right to die *Law change needed to stop clandestine assisted deaths, says Belgian euthanasia expert

Bernheim, used to debating in a predominantly Catholic country with predominantly Catholic hospitals, made a point of the fact that some religious figureheads had acceptedor at least turned a blind eye toeuthanasia.

"More and more Catholic organisations really let their physicians act accordingly to their consciences."

One dissident, a Catholic named John Collier, voiced his opinion at the meeting.

"The Catholic Church in no way condones it," he said.

"Thou shalt not kill, and that's the end of it."

Another dissident, who did not give his name, said legalising euthanasia would alienate those doctors who did not want to perform it.

"That is a burden on the conscience of many doctors."

Bernheim said it was normal for doctors to refer patients to other specialists if they were unable, unqualified,or unwilling to perform a procedure.

"There are many gynaecologists... who do not perform abortions, and they are not out of business."

Euthanasia is legal in eight countries including Belgium and seven states in the US.

Bernheim said New Zealanders' support rates for euthanasia were similar to somecountries where it is legal: between 70 and 80 per cent.

"Of course, there are legitimate objections... this is a personal point of view."

His advice for New Zealand if it decides to legalise euthanasia:

"Don't make it too complicated... don't be cruel on patients."

Christchurch palliative care specialist Dr Wendy Pattemore told Stuffshe disagreed with some of Bernheim's arguments.

"The first thing is we're not Belgium."

She said the culture was different, and "hastening" death had been acceptable in Belgium for many years before Euthanasia was legalised.

"I do fear that if we do something like that, we will alter the fabric of our culture in many ways."

Pattemore said we should also take into account the views of New Zealand'sdiverse cultures, such as Maori, Pacific Islanders and Asians, who have different values to Europeans when it comes to the elderly.

"They would have a very different view of ending life."

She said euthanasia could affect the relationship between doctor and patient, because doctors are currently trusted to heal.

"[Euthanasia] has to change that dynamic."

Pattemore said she was concerned as people aged they could subconsciously consider themselves "dispensable", or a burden on their families and country.

"I think that would occur with our most vulnerable population."

She said palliative care was about helping people live well at the end of their life.

"What I see is people wanting to stay alive as long as possible.

"There's always a little bit of hope. Not to be cured, but to see that grandchild, or do that one more thing."

-Stuff

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Advocate's advice to NZ if it decides to legalise euthanasia: Make it simple - Stuff.co.nz