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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: 6/6/11 02:14 (UTC)I guess my thing with pharmacists is that they're not just shop assistants; they're highly trained professionals and as such it's not unreasonable to expect them to have a duty of care. Similar professionals with duties of care are doctors and teachers.
If you get back to this, maybe don't respond, I probably won't get back to it.