Terminal patients deserve the right to die

By Corin Salnave

Few terminally ill people are given the opportunity to decide for themselves when their disease will finish them off. Those unfortunate souls who are slowly and painfully being executed by disease are allowed few pleasures.

These people should stay entitled to end their own suffering by physician-assisted suicide if they choose. In my opinion, it shouldn’t be considered suicide if one is already in the act of dying.

I am shocked and appalled by some folks’ apathy toward terminally ill patients seeking a less painful way to die. We should all be so lucky.

As it stands, a patient must have six months to live or less before they are considered for termination. Personally, I think anyone who is terminal should have the option.
Per usual, the Bush administration is taking a stab at eliminating another important right of Americans. The land of freedom is being subjected to a Republican regime.
The law makes every attempt to make sure that patients who participate in physician-assisted suicide are doing so of their own free will, are informed about their decision and have the ability to make such a decision.

I don’t see how someone who has six months or less to live can make any rational decisions but nevertheless, it is their decision to make. I hope that when my time comes, it isn’t painful. If I, or anyone I care about, were suffering enough to want death, I wish them a more peaceful way out.

If anyone is concerned that patients may be making a decision to end their lives in haste, be not afraid. The law regimented so as to make absolutely sure that a patient has all the information before they make a life-ending decision. The patient’s doctor and a psychologist have the final say.

Oregon voters have voted twice to keep the law the way it is. I think the law is too strict, but if we must keep it the way it is so as to induce change, then I hope it becomes so.

Why must the desires and beliefs of others make any difference in how Joe Schmoe wants to die? It is no one’s business but the patient’s and their family.
Terminally ill patients who have been diagnosed with six months or less to live usually only request to hasten their deaths when each day becomes more excruciating.
Those whose religious beliefs oppose a patient’s right to assisted suicide are free to not use the opportunity. Suffering terrible physical and emotional agony and being denied personal dignity is not divine or humane.

It is no more playing God than to say that another tube or prescription is going to continue life. A conscious, feeling human being deserves the right to end their suffering.