I support Question 2, the Death with Dignity Act, on Tuesday’s ballot because I believe in my right, and the right of the terminally ill, to control our end-of-life decisions. Question 2 will move Massachusetts forward in the care of the dying by granting a limited number of terminally ill patients an additional choice to alleviate their suffering.
Question 2 offers terminally ill patients, with six months or less to live, the ability to request a prescription from their doctor to end their pain.
Death with Dignity requires that two doctors verify the patient’s diagnosis.
Both must also confirm that the patient is mentally capable of making the decision. Doctor participation is completely voluntary.
Groups opposing Question 2 want to drag us backward to an era when the dying were isolated in hospitals, surrounded by machines and strangers in white coats. When my time comes, I want to be at home, in control, in the arms of my loved one.
On Election Day, Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to offer the suffering and terminally ill the peace of mind that comes with choice and control.
Randee Laikind
Shelburne Falls
Oct. 30
Font Resize
