It's a tough decision for all parties involved. I have a hard time seeing the issue in the term of absolutes (anyone who wants to die should be killed vs. no one is allowed to take their own life). There is so much grey area it's hard to know where to begin. And the age old debate of emotion vs logic usually ensures the conversation ends up as an argument. My girlfriend works as a student nurse and is considering specialising in palliative care. The stories she tells me of the people she meets and works with day in and day out break my (civilian) heart. Most of her stories don't have happy beginnings, middles or ends. The bad times tend to outweight the good times and too many people suffer and die alone, without any 'precious time with family and friends' to be had. I agree with what Dr. Crippen has to say, but I could've done without the condescending attitude.