Decriminalize Aid in Dying
The Ventura County Edition on Nov. 21 reported the homicide-suicide of Mr. and Mrs. Rex Pratt in Ventura. The story described their agonizing situation: he, age 79, suffering from cancer and other ailments; she, 75, wheelchair-bound for years and barely able to speak.
Is it any wonder they decided that this kind of existence is a life not worth living? Where could they go to get help to find a merciful release from suffering? There is no help, because the law makes help in suicide a criminal offense.
No physician could risk prescribing a lethal dose of drugs or do anything to shorten the pain of a certain, lingering death. Many people feel that the present law is cruel and should be changed.
All over Ventura County, concerned citizens are circulating petitions in favor of a ballot initiative for the November, 1992, ballot to permit physician aid in dying for terminally ill people.
PETER FORCHHEIMER
President, Ventura County Hemlock Society
Camarillo
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