DEATH: A route worth considering

I am hoping our American society will come to very similar decisions that Canada and select other societies have regarding physician assisted death/suicide.

Canada’s Supreme Court struck down the ban on assisted suicide on Feb. 6. They felt the ban deprives those with incurable illnesses their right to decide matters “critical to their dignity and autonomy.” They also felt the ban is out of step with the times and no longer justified in a free society.

I was further touched by an article by the Associated Press on Feb. 24. In Yarmouth, Maine, officers gave a touching and very appropriate send off ceremony to a K9/canine comrade. The canine suffered from seizures and arthritis and was to be euthanized.

No doubt the suffering and lack of quality of life drove the decision to euthanize! Why can’t we humans be afforded the same considerations?

We all have our beliefs on this topic. But I venture to say, if you ever had to watch an undignified, slow and painful human death process, you might reconsider any adverse thoughts on physician assisted death and suicide.

VICKIE NOSTRANT

Post Falls