Assisted Suicide

Thank you for illuminating the plight of AIDS sufferers who seek to exert some control over their demise and a more palatable end to their pain (“Assisted Suicide Issue Arises in Designer’s Death,” Jan. 22). Once again, our moralizing government insists on imposing its judgment on a matter that is intensely personal. Incredibly, local prosecutors have opted to pursue this case (and expend our tax dollars) against a devoted partner who is now homeless, newly “widowed” and facing the possibility of three years in jail. His crime? Wanting to comfort and assist his lover at the end of his life.

Granted, all apparent suicides merit investigation. In the meantime, the message to gays and lesbians is subtle, but clear: Minus societal approval and legal recognition of our partnerships, our motives are more suspect. And the message to those who suffer from AIDS and seek a more dignified, controlled and less painful exit is even clearer still: “Crawl off into a hole and die alone.” To do otherwise, to seek the comfort or aid of a loved one at the very end of life, is a sure invitation to prosecution for our beloved survivor(s).

JAMES L. BLOOR

Los Angeles