Thursday, March 17, 2011
I am against the proposal to legalize physician-assisted suicide in Vermont.
I think a vulnerable group of people will be exploited by their own families, and health care plans if this bill is passed. It is also likely that conventional suicide will increase as it has in Oregon.
The elderly, and others in poor health don’t like to impose on family or caregivers. Families and caregivers get worn out, and will convey either consciously, or unconsciously that physician-assisted suicide should be considered, or at least not ruled out. Unfortunately, greed will also motivate encouragement in some cases. There are no safeguards that can address this subtle, perhaps unspoken pressure, or suggestion. This will not be a “choice” for the patient. It will be a “choice” for the convenience, and benefit of others.
In Oregon, where this has been ratified, health plans have refused to pay for treatments to prolong the life of terminally ill patients, but did offer to pay for physician-assisted suicide. Again, this isn’t a “choice” for the patient; it is about money.
Also in Oregon, conventional suicide rose significantly after physician assisted suicide was ratified in 1997. Today, Oregon is the 10th most suicidal state by percentage, in the country. How can we convince despondent teenagers suicide is a bad choice when it is considered a good choice for others who are said to be hopeless?
Our Founding Fathers built this country on trust in God. There is no trust in God in this proposal. Let’s stop picking and choosing, live the lives God has given us, and leave life and death matters to our creator, and Lord. Only then, can we be sure no mistakes will be made.
Let’s keep Vermont safe for all. Let’s stop this bill. Please write to your state representative today.
JOHN MORIN
Springfield