Just wondering about something about doctor assisted suicide...

[jennied]

With Brittany Maynard being in the news recently, about how she took her own life because she had brain cancer, I was wondering what exactly the doctor gives patients for them to pass away. The reason why I ask is could the same thing be given to people that they're going to execute in prison?

First, I'm against the death penalty 100%, but with these "cocktails" that have been concocted a few times, that leave people gasping and choking - I was wondering why they couldn't just give the people on deathrow whatever the doctor gave Brittany Maynard? I don't want them to die - but if they have to do it, then it should at least not be inhumane.

I'm not up to date with any of the news on these subjects really - so maybe I'm missing something - but if someone could give me a reason why. I vaguely remember something about the company that used to make the "poison" for prisoners not making it anymore? (I probably have it backwards.) So what did the doctor use for Brittany? And why can't it be used for prisoners during execution?

Ugh, this topic disturbs me, but I've been thinking about it. Thanks.

[RKP5637]

1. That was my first thought too! Some have felt other alternatives are used because they cause

pain and suffering, they want no easy way out for the convicted. I think there is a lot of truth in that, they want vengeance, hence better more humane execution methods are not employed.

Same here, "Ugh, this topic disturbs me, but I've been thinking about it."

[djean111]

2. Interesting question.

Maybe dying horribly is reserved for criminals and - sadly - some people think Brittany Maynard was cowardly and not following some god's will in choosing to die painlessly, not in agony.
Some responses I have read about the subject have steeled my resolve to, if I happen to get something terminal, off myself at home by whatever means I can, rather than leave my passing up to anyone with some personal agenda who thinks dying in agony is the bestest bravest thing to do. I understand that total fucking strangers believe they can make that decision for others. And will try to do just that. Bizarre.
Not to mention the irony of being told I have control over my body when it comes to sex and procreation, but not when it comes to avoiding a painful death.

[demmiblue]

3. The manufacturers of the drugs won't allow for their use in executions is my guess. n/t

[safeinOhio]

4. MDs can't do it as

it violate their code, so idiots do the injections.

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Correct.

nt

[vankuria]

6. Yes I read the same thing

Pharmaceutical companies want nothing to do with executions and Dr.'s for obvious reasons will not participate either. That leaves prison officials to concoct their own potions for executions and the results we all know are pretty ugly to say the least.

[KinMd]

7. If the inmate refused to take the drugs

then they'd have to do an injection anyway

[YarnAddict]

8. Maybe it has to do with the method of delivery??

Warden: "Here, take these pills and die."
Inmate: "No."

I don't think there is much way to force pills down someone's throat.

My understanding is that when a lethal injection is done, there are several different apparatuses, which are operated simultaneously by different people. All but one is a "dummy," so that no one knows who actually administers the fatal dose. Maybe it helps some of those people sleep at night, if they can believe they didn't actually kill someone.

[B2G]

9. Another question

Why do we allow families to withhold food and water as a form of euthanasia? It's a cruel way to go.

[KinMd]

10. Actually if the patient is in a vegetative stare, it's not cruel

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Schiavo/story?id=531907&page=1

[B2G]

11. And if they're not?

And even if they are, why prolong it for up to 2 weeks when we have other far more humane methods?

[KinMd]

12. I agree totally , but often the law allows you to withold water and food

..but won't allow a doctor to prescribe lethal drugs. Our they'll say if the person cannot take the drugs on their own, then it's not suicide