By Steve Levy
A controversial measure that would, for the first time, allow terminally ill individuals to seek physician assistance in dying with dignity is sitting before Governor Hochul for her signature or veto.
We urge the governor to sign the legislation.
Why do we ensure that our beloved pets not struggle through excruciating pain in the last days of their lives, and yet we insist that our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters must endure that same pain in their last days?
Adults of sound mind should have the right to decide what to do with their own lives. In instances where two doctors have certified that an individual is terminal and only has a few weeks or months to live, we should allow that individual to die with dignity and free of pain.
Not only should they be able to retain control over their destiny, but, from a healthcare perspective, it is important to note that a small percentage of the healthcare population consumes a huge percentage of overall healthcare costs. And a tremendously high disproportional amount of that funding goes toward people in their last months of life.
Europe has long had a different attitude and it’s one of the reasons their healthcare programs are more affordable than those in America.
Why do we keep the terminally ill in pain and on respirators against their will, throwing money down the drain and forcing them to endure agony, not to mention the enormous suffering for their family?
We would never suggest skimping on money for those who want to live on and to put up a good fight, but it makes no sense to force a person to stay around for another two weeks in great agony and a great cost to their families — financially and emotionally — when it is clear that their condition is irreversible. Let them go out with dignity on their terms.
The governor should sign the bill.