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talkpoliticsA 91 year old woman is being investigated by the FBI for selling suicide kits.
She claims her kits, which include a bag and tubing to connect to a helium tank with instructions and sell for $60, offer an easy, peaceful death to those who wish to end their lives. She has been criticized for not doing due diligence as to whether her customers need these kits as a compassionate measure or if they are underage or mentally unstable.
While I am in favour of assisted suicide on compassionate grounds, I do share the same concerns voiced by her critics. As well, it seems very wrong to me for someone to profit off of someone's pain and suffering. While I am not convinced she should be jailed for her actions, I do think her business should be shut down. Those who wish to commit suicide can always find a way to do so, either alone or with help without someone profiting off the act.
My questions to you:
1. Do you feel she should be prosecuted for this?
2. If not, should she be able to continue selling the kits?
3. Should the families of those who committed suicide using her kits be able to sue?
She claims her kits, which include a bag and tubing to connect to a helium tank with instructions and sell for $60, offer an easy, peaceful death to those who wish to end their lives. She has been criticized for not doing due diligence as to whether her customers need these kits as a compassionate measure or if they are underage or mentally unstable.
While I am in favour of assisted suicide on compassionate grounds, I do share the same concerns voiced by her critics. As well, it seems very wrong to me for someone to profit off of someone's pain and suffering. While I am not convinced she should be jailed for her actions, I do think her business should be shut down. Those who wish to commit suicide can always find a way to do so, either alone or with help without someone profiting off the act.
My questions to you:
1. Do you feel she should be prosecuted for this?
2. If not, should she be able to continue selling the kits?
3. Should the families of those who committed suicide using her kits be able to sue?
(no subject)
Date: 1/6/11 15:42 (UTC)If we actually had a way for people to talk to their doctors and get legitimate medical assistance on ending their lives fly by nigh operations like this one would not exist.
As far as the answers to your questions...
1) Don't know, I don't have enough evidence. The simple fact that she was selling these kits. No not worthy of prosecution but it is possible that there is actual evidence of her encouraging people to buy them or her engaging in recklessly irresponsible behavior while selling them and that may deserve prosecution.
2) Allowed? Sure, however I think she should be put out of business by changes to the law allowing people to get actual medical assistance.
3) For what? Should automakers be sued by the families of those who used their cars to commit suicide? Again, if there is actual evidence that she actively encouraged people to commit suicide and then sold them the kit it would be a different case but her providing these kits in no way represents a harmful act on her part.