How many of us have “put down” our dogs or know of others who have done so as they were suffering in the last days of their lives?
We do so because we believe it’s far more humane and sensitive to prevent our terminally ill pets — who have been part of our families — from unnecessarily suffering extreme pain.
So why do our present laws perpetuate a system that forces our human loved ones to incur unnecessary suffering in the last days of their lives?
We’re not talking about helping healthy young people end their lives. We’re talking about people who are terminally ill, as confirmed by doctors, and who have no chance of recovery and maybe have 30 days left to live.
What value is there in keeping them alive for another two weeks to endure horrible pain and an erosion of dignity?
A bill just passed the state Assembly permitting those in the last days of their lives to choose a dignified exit with the assistance of medical professionals. It is long overdue and we urge the Senate to pass this bill and the governor to sign it.