Danielle+-+Assisted+Suicide

Questions: 1. What are the halachic views on assisted suicide? Is it allowed? 2. If it is, what are the types that are allowed? 3. Is this considered legal outside of Judaism?

The Torah states that the Torah was given to man so that 'he may live.' []. It rejects the use of advanced technology to sustain your life. Our bodies were a gift from G-d that is going to be given back to Him one day. There is a mitzvah to prolong your life, but there is also a mitzvah to help people that are suffering too. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and other rabbis have given their consent the right to say no to treatment on condition. The patient must have a terminal condition, be suffering majorly and the patient has to want to not be treated. However, they may not decline water, food or oxygen which are the things that are normally given to patients to sustain life. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT POINT.

In Shmot (2:1-5), there is the basis for the law on assisted suicide. This is the place in the Torah where Moshe is being put into the river, thinking that he would probably be killed, because Batya unfortunately could not take care of him, so this could be taken as assisted suicide.

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I think assisted suicide should be allowed in certain circumstances. It should obviously not be allowed if you just want to die or don't have a terminal condition that will only get worse over time. I think it should only be allowed in that circumstance, when you are dying, but the pain is just going to get worse and your doctor has confirmed that your situation won't improve. WHAT ABOUT FINANCES? ARE THOSE EVER A FACTOR?

==** Hi Danielle: this needs a photo and the quotes that you mention. Please also share your Biblical quotes with Kaili and explain the concepts. THANKS, MRS. G. **==