The Right to Die

Death and taxes- the two certainties in life. The latter you have little control over, as it is deducted from your pay (unless of course you work illegally etc), and many would say you don't have much control or choice with the other. I would say this is not the case, and doesn't have to be either.
It's one of those big issues, where often people will hold a very strong opinion, and become very judgemental toward any who differ in opinion. The source of many opinions comes from socialised thought-controlling institutions such as religions. By indoctrinating people to believe that they are sacred and created by a deity, an associated belief that to thus end that existence would be rejecting the gracious gesture of said deity. For many it isn't enough that they think ending your life by choice is "wrong", but they feel the need to force this view on others: make them feel guilty, as though they are wrong to even consider an act which is most often only considered to end incredible amounts of suffering.

How can anyone guage the suffering of another? By observation or even asking them we can only know so much. You will never actually feel what they feel- even if you have, for example, the same terminal cancer as they do, one's symptoms and lived experience of that pain will be different to the next person. So to presume that they should put up with it or use a different coping method, treatment, therapy etc is not only taking away some of the validity of their experience but disrespecting their choice not to choose what you would- free will.
It would appear that it's somewhat acceptable for older people, for example if someone has a terminal illness at the age of 90 and chooses to end their life, as opposed to someone who is 30 and in the same situation. Society is inclined to drag things out- pressure people to stay on life supporting treatments to eek out an extra few weeks of existence, regardless of the quality of that time.
So what of those who don't have a "terminal illness" in the sense of imminent organ failure? People could live for 20 years as a quadriplegic or with serious mental health issues which deny them any decent quality of life, involvement in society or any semblance of a "normal" life. Yet where death is not biologically imminent, the decision to end such a poor quality of life or level of suffering is often less accepted, stigmatised and shunned.

I know that for myself quality of life is important. If I had nothing to look forward to, the time I would choose to look forward may be limited. Regardless of my own choice, I respect those of others and would not support any move to take away that right from them- even if I miss them terribly, wish they were still here, agree with the decision or not.