Physician Aid In Dying

My Opinion

(For What It's Worth)

PHYSICIAN AID IN DYING
PROTECTS THE DISABLED TOO

Hi. I'm Y-von. I'm 40 and was diagnosed with MS in 1990. I have been using a wheelchair for almost three years. I put this web site up to let everyone know that I am a disabled person and ...

I SUPPORT PHYSICIAN AID IN DYING !

There is a group of disabled people known as Not Dead Yet that believes Merian's Friends' proposal is a plot to get rid of the disabled. It is NOT. Our proposal will allow TERMINALLY ILL people a CHOICE regarding end-of-life decisions according to their own religious and moral beliefs, not those of others or of the State.

I have heard arguments relating to some "slippery slope" to "getting rid" of those who are no longer perceived as "valuable". I am active with Merian's Friends and according to our proposal, "getting rid" of anyone would be a FELONY. I have quoted certain areas of the petition to let you see that this has nothing to do with euthanasia for the disabled or depressed.

"GIVE A TERMINALLY ILL ADULT WHO IS COMPETENT, FULLY INFORMED, AND A RESIDENT OF THIS STATE OR A CLOSE RELATIVE OF A RESIDENT OF THIS STATE, THE RIGHT TO END UNBEARABLE PAIN OR SUFFERING THROUGH THE SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION TO HASTEN DEATH."

This is not euthanasia. This is self-deliverance from unbearable pain and suffering.

"AN INDIVIDUAL IS NOT QUALIFIED TO MAKE A REQUEST SOLELY BECAUSE OF AGE OR DISABILITY, OR A COMBINATION OF AGE AND DISABILITY, OTHER THAN A DISABILITY CAUSED BY A TERMINAL ILLNESS."
"A PERSON WHO, WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION OF THE PATIENT, WILLFULLY ALTERS OR FORGES A REQUEST FOR MEDICATION UNDER THIS PART OR CONCEALS OR DESTROYS A RESCISSION OF THAT REQUEST WITH THE INTENT OR EFFECT OF CAUSING THE PATIENT'S DEATH IS GUILTY OF A FELONY PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT FOR A TERM OF YEARS UP TO LIFE."
"A PERSON WHO COERCES OR EXERTS UNDUE INFLUENCE ON A PATIENT TO MAKE A REQUEST UNDER THIS PART, OR TO DESTROY A RESCISSION OF A REQUEST, IS GUILTY OF A FELONY PUNISHABLE FOR A TERM OF YEARS UP TO LIFE."

As I am currently in a wheelchair and am unsure of the future because of the unpredictable nature of my disease, I would be the first to fight any proposal that might put anyone in jeopardy because of a disability. I believe the language in our proposal gives adequate protections against those who would try to abuse this law. I invite everyone to read the entire proposal as I have.

Now, I can proceed with what I believe to be the issues at hand. I believe that compassion and values dictate that we must end suffering when we are able. When current technology is unable to alleviate this suffering, we should have the ability to choose our own path to death.

People argue that the pain can be controlled. I submit that is not true. I was present when my father-in-law died. He had been given massive doses of morphine and was unconscious. He was still grasping at the areas of his body where the cancer had taken over.

I agree with those who say more should be spent on current health care programs, but what is to be done for those who are suffering, to whom medical science can offer no hope of cure or even the alleviation of their suffering so that they may resume some semblance of a life. Our current options consist of Dr. Kevorkian - period!

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE !

People should be allowed the dignity of being with their families and loved ones, with counsel from their own doctors - not in the back of Jack's van. I object to the fact that family members are persecuted and subjected to criminal proceedings simply for wanting to be with those that they love at the end of their lives.

The arguments I have heard regarding religious beliefs do not apply here. The laws of these great United States protect me from the imposition of the religious beliefs of others upon me.

I believe the language in our proposal is sound and well thought out:

The patient must be an adult and voluntarily originate the request, without being prompted or influenced by others.
The patient's own doctor and a specialist in the patient's disease must certify that the patient is terminally ill.
A psychiatrist must certify that the patient is mentally competent and not acting primarily out of depression or mental illness.
The patient must be advised of all alternative options for pain relief and comfort care.
A mandatory waiting period of at least seven days is provided so the patient can reconsider his or her decision.

Polls indicate a majority of Michigan's voters favor physician aid in dying, despite the attempts of our legislators to deprive us of this choice. I support this proposal, and intend to let my representatives know how I feel with my vote. I challenge you to exercise your right to vote and do the same. Don't let someone else make a decision as important as this for you.

Full details of our proposal are available by phoning toll free 1-888-217-0700. Also, please visit Merian's Friends' web site at http://www.merians.com.

THANKS FOR COMING BY !

Please sign my Guestbook or send me an e-mail and let me know what YOU think!

Physician Aid In Dying

My Opinion

(For What It's Worth)

PHYSICIAN AID IN DYING PROTECTS THE DISABLED TOO

PHYSICIAN AID IN DYING
PROTECTS THE DISABLED TOO