Opinion: My aunt’s struggle with assisted suicide: death but not much dignity

To the editor: My heartfelt condolences to Linda Van Zandt, for the loss of her aunt, and for the agonizing ordeal they both endured in securing her aunt’s rights under California’s new Death With Dignity Act. ( “So this is death with dignity?” Opinion, Aug 14)

Van Zandt’s poignant account of her aunt’s courageous eight-month battle should be required reading by all opponents of right-to-die laws.

Gloria Martel, Los Angeles

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To the editor: The writer is correct conveying the extent to which patients and medical personnel are struggling with this law. And we should.

Healthcare providers need to meticulously comply with all the law’s strong provisions to prevent abuse or mistakes.

Any error in judgment or action could violate the law, inappropriately take a life or reinforce the arguments of those who would repeal the measure.

In addition, the process should be pursued with respect for providers’ right to “opt out” based on their personal ethical concerns.

California’s aid-in-dying law will never provide easy solutions for those suffering with death and dying in California. No such solutions are possible. This law is a work in progress.

Participating providers must carefully balance deliberation with the need to avoid placing insurmountable obstacles before those legitimately seeking to end their own suffering.

Daniel J. Stone, MD, Beverly Hills

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To the editor: This recounting of a very prolonged and difficult assisted death is heart-wrenching.

There is an easy, less complicated, peaceful way to end one’s life — simply stop eating and drinking. Death arrives in about a week. It is how most mammals pass on.

Alan Pollack, MD, Woodland Hills

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