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A Japanese Man Changed His Mind After His Survival

     Masatoshi Oda was diagnosed with progressive muscular dystrophy as a child. He didn’t like the idea of being hooked up to a ventilator, and said that if he ever found himself in such a situation, he would prefer to accept death and leave this world in peace. He was not suicidal, but he didn't want burden his family with his failing health.
      In 1997,Doctors told Oda’s family that he would die unless oxygen was artificially pumped into his body.  He was just 29 years old.His mother knew his wish, but she wanted to do anything she can do to save her son, so he was kept alive.
     When he regained consciousness, it took a while for him to accept that he had been hooked up to a ventilator.
     Now, however, the 45-year-old is relieved the doctors performed the tracheotomy and kept him alive.
     And although he does have to rely on people to complete many daily tasks, he feels that his life is as good as it was before the operation.
     As far as he’s concerned, life is worth living.
     “I am not against anyone who wishes to die with dignity, but codifying such rights in legislation isn’t the answer,” he says.
     As I read this article, I thought that as long as there is possibility or hope, euthanasia can be the last choice.


I used information from this article:
Hongo, Jun. "Euthanasia: the dilemma of choice" The Japan Times
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/02/15/general/euthanasia-the-dilemma-of-choice/#.WUIIAbCwfIU


- Honoka

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