Choosing to Die

* Re “Friends Say Ill Woman Chose Her ‘Final Exit,’ ” Feb. 5.

I was very touched by Elaine L. Day’s quest to find peace. I am saddened that this brave and courageous woman was forced to spend her last hours alone in a cold, dark van with a stranger.

It was heart-rending to read her story and imagine how I would feel if my loved one or I had to plot, plan and worry about how I was going to stop the pain.

It is not just a question of mercy, love and kindness to help those who are desperately seeking to shorten a long, painful dying process. My doctor, whose duty is to do no harm, should have the right to help me through this most personal of choices.

I am ashamed that we, as a nation who pride ourselves on all sorts of freedoms, should deny the most basic right we have as human beings: the right to die. Is it or is it not my life? This choice should be between me and my God.

JEAN FLEMING

Studio City

Fleming is a member of the Valley Presbyterian Hospital ethics committee

* At the time of hearing that the body of Elaine Louise Day had been found in a van owned by medically assisted suicide advocate Dr. Jack Kevorkian, the family had requested that we not give out information to The Times staff writer who contacted us. Although we do not speak for the family, Capri Retirement Villa serves many residents who in the later years of their lives courageously cope with a myriad of age-related challenges. We are inspired by residents like Elaine, who struggle daily to maintain an independent lifestyle while facing the uncertainty of knowing where their sufferings will lead.

ROLANDA REEDER

Newhall

Reeder is director of operations at Capri Retirement Villa