Humans have no qualms about euthanizing a pet or an animal that is terminally ill or suffering. We say it's because they cannot communicate their will to us. Because of this, humans feel they have the right and the moral obligation make the decision to terminate a pet's or animal's life.
However, when a human is terminally ill or suffering, it is socially considered immoral to end his/her life, regardless of his/her suffering. Sure, a human can communicate better than an animal whether or not s/he wants to live or die, but that point appears to be moot, because whether the person wishes to die or s/he cannot communicate these wishes, we have laws against assisted suicide and/or euthanasia (unless there are laws that I am unaware of in different parts of the world - check local listings).
What are your thoughts on euthanasia/physician assisted suicide?
Do other humans have the moral license to tell another what s/he is allowed to do with regard to his/her suffering?
Does a human have the right to tell another that s/he is not allowed to die until whatever is killing her/him takes her/him naturally?
What are the spiritual/religious implications of such a decision?
However, when a human is terminally ill or suffering, it is socially considered immoral to end his/her life, regardless of his/her suffering. Sure, a human can communicate better than an animal whether or not s/he wants to live or die, but that point appears to be moot, because whether the person wishes to die or s/he cannot communicate these wishes, we have laws against assisted suicide and/or euthanasia (unless there are laws that I am unaware of in different parts of the world - check local listings).
What are your thoughts on euthanasia/physician assisted suicide?
Do other humans have the moral license to tell another what s/he is allowed to do with regard to his/her suffering?
Does a human have the right to tell another that s/he is not allowed to die until whatever is killing her/him takes her/him naturally?
What are the spiritual/religious implications of such a decision?