AID IN DYING: Key is the conversation

In June Chris Carlson wrote a strongly worded opinion piece in the Coeur d’Alene Press.  It was titled LEGALIZED MURDER, INC, IS ON THE HORIZON. The subject is physician assisted death, or aid in dying for dying people.

I did not “fact check” the whole article, but one thing he said I know is not so.  I am quoting it here. It is his point number 3: “They call this a matter of choice, but under the Washington law someone else, particularly if they have power of attorney, can make the choice for you, thus opening the door to real, not probable, elder abuse.”

The Washington law and the Oregon law both require that the request to hasten oncoming death has to be made by the dying person and that person if approved has to be able to self administer the drugs.  Nor can the request be part of advance directives or living wills.  Point number 3 is not true.

There will be lots of conflict over this difficult emotional issue I’m sure.  I am glad we are having the conversation. It seems to me that trying to be clear about the facts will help us listen to each other. That is a requirement of any important conversation, in my experience.

ANNE SALISBURY

Coeur d’Alene