Australian Doctor Unveils "Exit Bag"

[Guest evenflowDDT]

MSNBC article

 

Basically, Australia's top euthanasia dude, Dr. Philip Nitschke, has invented a bag-like device that allows a patient to breathe in pure carbon monoxide and die. The catch is by its design it can also allow a patient to breathe in pure oxygen (or any other gas, I suppose) to live. Plus, the device can only be currently used by members of his "Exit Australia" group who've been members for over a year (which I'm guessing offers a lot of time to formulate their final decision).

 

I've never had a problem with euthanasia (although I honestly can't say right now if I'd be able to do it), and the therapeutic double-edge of this sword makes it nice, but it's crying out for some sort of abuse (inadvertent or not) or overuse, especially since it can be made so cheaply (the article says the cost is around $50). I'm not trying to say there should be a lot of pain in death or anything (since anyone considering euthanasia has had enough already), but this seems almost too easy.

[Guest Tim]

If people feel the need to take that drastic a step, I have no problem. However, the bags should only be able to be supplied through the Doctor treating the person wanting to kill themselves.