[net.suicide] The Hemlock Society for Voluntary Euthanasia.

wa371@sdcc12.UUCP (wa371) (03/31/85)

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The Hemlock Society...
"Supporting the option of active voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill."
They apparently support the reasoning expressed in the books "Let Me Die        
Before I Wake", "Jean's Way", and "The Compassionate Crime" (assisted
suicide.)
If you send them a large, self-addressed envelope, they will send you some
literature. You can also request, free of charge, forms for a 'Living will',
and 'A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care'.
These forms may help persuade your physicians (and give them legal protection)
to not keep your body alive and needlessly prolong your suffering against
your wishes.
For example, from the latter form you can select the following options:

1. I desire that my life BE PROLONGED to the greatest extent possible, 
   without regard to my condition, the chance I have for recovery or 
   long-term survival, or the cost of the procedures.

2. If I am in a coma which my doctors have reasonably concluded is
   irreversible, I desire that life sustaining or prolonging treatments
   or procedures NOT be used.

3. If I have an incurable or terminal condition or illness and no reasonable
   hope of long term recovery or survival, I desire that life sustaining or
   prolonging treatments NOT be used.

4. In deciding any questions under this document, my attorney-in-fact
   is to consider the relief of suffering, the preservation or restoration
   of functioning, and the quality as well as the possible extension of
   my life.  

The Hemlock Society
P.O. Box 66218
Los Angeles, CA 90066        Phone (213)391-1817
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Posted by
Bernd 'bear-nd'            *** hooray for USENET ***
(Not affiliated with, nor speaking for U.C. San Diego)
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