I agree with George F. Will's statement in his piece “Affirming a right to die” : “There is nobility in suffering bravely borne but also in affirming at the end the distinctive human dignity of autonomous choice”. Death with Dignity laws allow certain terminally ill patients to request and receive a prescription to hasten their death. Currently, only three states allow this to take place: Oregon, Washington, and Vermont. These laws allow patients to decide when they are ready to die. Even though they can no longer control their body they still can control that. Many patients see themselves as a burden or don't want to go through the searing pain that accompanies death. This legislation has hit many roadblocks due to religious or spiritual beliefs.
As a hospice nurse, I see death and despair every day. I watch the slow withering decline and the process the family goes through with the patient. Even with all the latest drugs and technology I still watch pain, agony and despair take over. That is why I believe in Death with Dignity Act laws.
ASHLEY DITTSWORTH
IRWIN
