TAW122
Emissary of the right to die.
- Aug 30, 2018
- 7,013
This title is a reference to some of the common quotes used in day to day language such as nobody is coming to us when it comes to politics or other contexts, and in a sense I've made the logical connection towards our pro-choice philosophy. We are still considered the fringe of society, even in present day (2025) and with ever growing benevolent paternalism and even more draconian and invasive policies to prevent the act of CTB (as if it is some sort of illness, disease, or malevolent action rather than a philosophical, rational (ultimate) choice oneself can make), it is imperative for us to recognize that more/less we are on our own for the most part. While there are similar organizations that support assisted suicide or medical aid in dying (Dignitas, MAiD in Canada, DWD, etc.), they only support those who are terminally ill and often address dying from a medical model rather than approaching the right to die from a philosophical and civil liberty perspective. Therefore, it is up to us and our community ourselves to advocate for our cause. Some individuals such as existentialgoof on Reddit have already done quite a lot just to push for the right to die (or at least curb the paternalistic policies of the State at minimum).
@Forever Sleep mentioned about having the discussion of CTB become more into the open, and while that may be a step in the right direction to start to destigmatize it and make progress towards assisted suicide, there is a catch however… The catch is that society at large (mainstream society) still views and treats those who are suspected to be thinking about CTB (ideation), or even planning CTB as medical illnesses rather than a rational response to the stressors of life and a personal (albeit the most important one) choice. Instead, there must first be a curtailment and basic guardrail against immediate or summary sectioning (detainment, detention, or temporary holds) for those who even mention CTB. Technically, as long as that risk is still present, there will be fewer people who speak out or even open up about CTB ideation, let alone plans to CTB. Once the guardrail preventing summary detainment and sectioning is in place, then the people who are once fearful will then be more at liberty to be truthful and advocate for the right to die.
To address the naysayers, on the point of "well it (the right to die for all) will not happen in our lifetimes" as well as "continuing to just DIY, plan and execute in secrecy" as we have been for years and years, I believe their intentions are misguided and incorrectly assumed that our efforts are in vain or that we should just continue to do things the way we are. As a matter of fact, I believe we can do both. We (obviously) are still doing what we can in the current society we live in, even if it means DIY and planning and executing our attempts in secrecy, but simultaneously, we should (if possible) advocate and push for change. Sure, it may be difficult to just frame the right to die as a civil rights issue and philosophical issue at least in the mainstream circles or outside of our community (and other special, narrow circles), but building off of the right to die organizations as well as pushing the tone that people who chose to have an assisted death, or voluntary euthanasia are doing so out of their own volition and perhaps appeal to the loved ones' emotions about their fellow peers choosing to die with dignity and avoid unnecessary suffering. Reasonable and more open-minded people may be more willing to entertain and accept that when an individual makes that decision (be it terminal illnesses or chronic, incurable illnesses) they are doing so to avoid suffering and not out of unsoundness of mind.
In conclusion, we are (mostly) on our own when it comes to the right to die and voluntary euthanasia. However, with the proper changes in law, how much power the State has, and the curtailment of impingement on civil liberties under the guise of health and safety, then there will be more people who are willing to have an open dialogue (once the fear of social and civil repercussions, some of which are really unconstitutional – but I digress) about CTB, and in the long run, perhaps prevent people from always wanting to CTB. Also, in the long run, there will be less people who will choose CTB if they know they will be heard, their problems mitigated, and/or no risk of being detained, incarcerated, or even sectioned just for trying to have an open dialogue on the topic.
@Forever Sleep mentioned about having the discussion of CTB become more into the open, and while that may be a step in the right direction to start to destigmatize it and make progress towards assisted suicide, there is a catch however… The catch is that society at large (mainstream society) still views and treats those who are suspected to be thinking about CTB (ideation), or even planning CTB as medical illnesses rather than a rational response to the stressors of life and a personal (albeit the most important one) choice. Instead, there must first be a curtailment and basic guardrail against immediate or summary sectioning (detainment, detention, or temporary holds) for those who even mention CTB. Technically, as long as that risk is still present, there will be fewer people who speak out or even open up about CTB ideation, let alone plans to CTB. Once the guardrail preventing summary detainment and sectioning is in place, then the people who are once fearful will then be more at liberty to be truthful and advocate for the right to die.
To address the naysayers, on the point of "well it (the right to die for all) will not happen in our lifetimes" as well as "continuing to just DIY, plan and execute in secrecy" as we have been for years and years, I believe their intentions are misguided and incorrectly assumed that our efforts are in vain or that we should just continue to do things the way we are. As a matter of fact, I believe we can do both. We (obviously) are still doing what we can in the current society we live in, even if it means DIY and planning and executing our attempts in secrecy, but simultaneously, we should (if possible) advocate and push for change. Sure, it may be difficult to just frame the right to die as a civil rights issue and philosophical issue at least in the mainstream circles or outside of our community (and other special, narrow circles), but building off of the right to die organizations as well as pushing the tone that people who chose to have an assisted death, or voluntary euthanasia are doing so out of their own volition and perhaps appeal to the loved ones' emotions about their fellow peers choosing to die with dignity and avoid unnecessary suffering. Reasonable and more open-minded people may be more willing to entertain and accept that when an individual makes that decision (be it terminal illnesses or chronic, incurable illnesses) they are doing so to avoid suffering and not out of unsoundness of mind.
In conclusion, we are (mostly) on our own when it comes to the right to die and voluntary euthanasia. However, with the proper changes in law, how much power the State has, and the curtailment of impingement on civil liberties under the guise of health and safety, then there will be more people who are willing to have an open dialogue (once the fear of social and civil repercussions, some of which are really unconstitutional – but I digress) about CTB, and in the long run, perhaps prevent people from always wanting to CTB. Also, in the long run, there will be less people who will choose CTB if they know they will be heard, their problems mitigated, and/or no risk of being detained, incarcerated, or even sectioned just for trying to have an open dialogue on the topic.
