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| Chapter 12 - The End |
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There are very real concerns if the principle of life is violated without control in the case of terminally ill patients. These concerns should be recognised and addressed by the law rather than ignored as is the current situation. The case of Dr Kervorkian in the United States in one example. He has been convicted of murder because he publicly assisted in the suicides of terminally ill patients. In point of law he was guilty. If one takes the moral stance the verdict is unclear. Is it the case that the law is currently inadequate to deal with these issues? There are no guidelines, there are no rules. Perhaps there should be. |
In our current legal system we have already sanctioned the termination of human life. This has been done in the case of abortion. In the case of euthanasia and terminally ill patients I believe that there is a far greater case for consideration than in the case of abortion. In abortion, the ultimate worst case scenario is an unwanted child. This is not a trivial matter but should be compared with the appalling and brutal suffering of terminally ill patients. |
This was not an act of malice. |
I had no intention of taking Max's life but just wanted to put a stop to his agony and suffering. I decided that I was prepared to accept the consequences if I failed in my immediate aim of relieving his pain and he died. |
Would I recommend this action to others in a similar situation? No. I would not recommend any of our major decisions because each case is unique. I made the decision which I felt to be right for us. |
I went to bed and an unquiet sleep. The following morning during breakfast I asked Paula if Max was alright. I had not dared to look in his room for myself. |
"He's not moving at all Dad." |
I rushed upstairs feeling very empty and cold. Max was still alive. |
The pain was under control and he had an excellent day. He had another rally and came back to us as the child we knew and loved. We were so happy and grateful. I felt my decision to be vindicated. |
He watched some television and was very chatty and even asked to go out! |
"Dad, I'd quite like to go to the pictures." |
"I don't think you're in a fit state to go anywhere Maxie, you can barely move. You can't even turn over on your own." |
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