Euthanasia Controversy

Using her experience as an example, Agate expressed in a very poignant way the dilemma facing many dying people.

Forces opposing the death-with-dignity movement often argue that better pain control is all that is needed; Agate made it clear that things are not this simple in practice by telling how she received totally conflicting expert medical advice with regard to treatment of her dying mother. The one thing that was unambiguous was that her mother wanted to die and there was no legal way to carry out her wishes.

Surely, those who want to hold on to their own lives as long as absolutely possible do not have a right to prevent the rest of us from being allowed to die when each of us has made that intensely personal choice. I agree that our pets are treated better than people and I hope that Proposition 161, the California Death With Dignity Act, will be approved on Nov. 3.

C. DESMOND PENGELLEY

La Mesa