Vegans can't say they are in favour......
First, sorry for the late reply. I didn't check back right away because it didn't look like there were frequent posts on this forum, and also I'd asked this question elsewhere recently and gotten such backlash I think I was afraid of seeing responses.
Anyway, thanks for your reply. It's very insightful.
I intentionally didn't reveal anything about myself because that would color the question, and then I would get responses based on me, rather than objective answers to the question. But also I do expect, from experience, that most people will read intent into it anyway, and responses will still be about me. That didn't happen this time, surprisingly, but that's usually how it goes. A question of ethics should stand on its own. If responses are based on who asked the question, that's not philosophy. So I tried my best to ask the question as plainly as possible.
I can understand people not wanting to disrupt the positive vibe of the forum by engaging the question. I respect that, but I'm a little disappointed because it is a question of vegan moral philosophy, and this is the "Philosophy" forum. To me, philosophy is not always a happy pursuit. In fact, the ethical topics that make us uncomfortable are possibly the ones we most need to discuss, because that's where people are averting their gaze and there is probably a lot to be learned there about the principles involved.
Also, reading your post does make me realize that people may think I'm trolling. I get that. I'm not, though. I'm just trying to learn what people think.
Thanks for your opinion on it. I see your point about which suffering is greater. I have to ask myself though to what extent would I subject another being to suffering to lessen my own greater suffering? How large may the former be and how small the latter before I say no it's not worth it? I don't know. Where to draw the line is probably where any question of ethics ultimately leads.
When I said it's "not medically necessary" I meant to say "it seems" not necessary. I meant to leave the door open that one may deem it necessary, as you suggested.
Thanks for your thoughts.