Controvery Over Proposition 161
Drs. Warren Bostick and Ronald Koons should look beyond our own shores and beyond next year to evaluate the adequacy of the safeguards for Prop. 161--which they describe as “many and strong” (Commentary, Sept. 16). Twenty years ago Holland began its practice of “physician-aid-in-dying” with significantly tougher safeguards than those proposed by Prop. 161. Recent studies show that Holland’s safeguards have eroded to the point where currently up to an estimated 10% to 20% of their physician-assisted deaths are performed without patient consent--on handicapped newborns, the demented elderly, comatose cancer patients and the mentally retarded.
If we ignore the history of euthanasia in the Netherlands, we can expect to relive it in California.
JACK GLASER
Director, Center for Healthcare Ethics
Orange
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