We are writing in support of House Bill 160, the End of Life Options Act. This bill requires that the individual is deemed terminally ill by two physicians, and is mentally capable of making this end of life decision for him/herself. This bill does not include patients with debilitating illnesses nor individuals who are depressed and contemplating suicide.
Simply knowing this option of medical aid in dying exists, decreases fears and anxieties of the hopelessness that many individuals dying from terminal illnesses often experience, may lessen their stress, and enable them to live their final days as fully as possible.
We suggest we have to put ourselves, if we can, in the position of people who are terminal and in increasing discomfort, and offer them the option of determining when they can end their suffering. It's easy to declare that this type of assisted suicide is against public policy and various religious precepts, but how can allowing a person to move on with dignity be other than a fundamental human right?
This type of legislation has been safely practiced in six states with not a single case of abuse, coercion, nor any disciplinary charges filed. These states are: Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont, California and Colorado; let's make Delaware number seven.
For more information concerning this legislation, please visit www.CompassionAndChoices.org. Please correspond with your local and state representatives and tell them your thoughts on this issue.
Nancy Kassner
Lincoln
Jim Kelley
Lewes
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