[Nallix]

In 1994 Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. At the time, only Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands had legalized the practice. 'How to Die in Oregon' tell the stories of those most intimately involved with the practice today -- terminally ill Oregonians, their families, doctors, and friends -- as well as the passage of an assisted suicide law in Washington State

As a firm believer in quality of life and dying with dignity this is a very personal topic for me. I watched a family member wither away from cancer and suffer unnecessarily, so this documentary really hits home. We are introduced to several people suffering from illnesses as they evaluate their life and decide if they want to control their death. Some of the scenes are heartbreaking yet uplifting. It's sad to stand witness so a loved one's passing but oddly comforting knowing that they have made this choice.

This is not a documentary for everyone. A topic as controversial and important as this never is. But it is definitely one to watch.

[Mr. Monster]

Nice write-up. I saw this one a while ago, about the same time I watched a loved one slowly die in agony. I hope that when my time comes, I'll have the same options as the family pet. This movie is a smart, sensitive examination of a topic that's contraversial and shouldn't be. Very recommended.

[Nallix]

The truly terrifying thing is that my family is Catholic, and very Catholic about delicate issues like euthanasia, same sex marriage, and abortion (even if they rarely see the inside of a church). My girlfriend's family is the same, except they actually go to mass every Sunday.

If my time comes and I'm in agony and want to end my life, or even worse I'm on life support, they will refuse to let me die with dignity despite it clearly being my wish. I only hope my medical proxy has the stones to honor my wishes and doesn't cave to my family.

[Mr. Monster]

Originally Posted by Nallix

The truly terrifying thing is that my family is Catholic, and very Catholic about delicate issues like euthanasia, same sex marriage, and abortion (even if they rarely see the inside of a church).

You raise an interesting point that I hadn't considered. I haven't actually gotten around to asking my chosen agent if she'll actively kill me should the law permit at the relevant time. I never even considered the whole Catholic thing. It's funny how one can just assume that all sane rational people would be on the same page as you, and completely overlook the fact that most of your friends actually believe in religion and it's "moral" teachings.

Luckily, there should be no shortage of people lined up for the chance to murder me.

[The Gore-met]

Originally Posted by Mr. Monster

Luckily, there should be no shortage of people lined up for the chance to murder me.

Well, you are a lawyer.

[Mr. Monster]

Originally Posted by The Gore-met

Well, you are a lawyer.

You volunteering?

[spookykat]

Originally Posted by Nallix

The truly terrifying thing is that my family is Catholic, and very Catholic about delicate issues like euthanasia, same sex marriage, and abortion (even if they rarely see the inside of a church). My girlfriend's family is the same, except they actually go to mass every Sunday.

If my time comes and I'm in agony and want to end my life, or even worse I'm on life support, they will refuse to let me die with dignity despite it clearly being my wish. I only hope my medical proxy has the stones to honor my wishes and doesn't cave to my family.

I feel the same...Recently we lost a cousin to multiplte brain tumours-she was in such pain, I can understand wanting to end your life if there is no hope. You should be able to make your own mind up when that time comes.