Truly beneficent euthanasia - Letter to the Editor

Humanist, July-August, 2003 by W. Rae Young

The Humanist advocates for a person to get legal assistance (perhaps by a physician) if they are dying, with the proviso that two doctors certify that the patient is dying and that the patient hasn't more than six months to live and is suffering from pain that isn't relievable.

I believe this is wrong. A person should be able to receive assistance in dying from anyone: friend, stranger, or doctor. A judge should only certify that dying is truly the person's wish--for whatever reason, not just terrible pain--and that the person who renders this assistance will be immune from prosecution.

I realize that Humanists are generally sympathetic toward people who wish to terminate their lives. But some Humanists feel that they must pussyfoot around its legality and not ask too much all at once and approach the broader goal in doable small steps. I don't agree! I think Humanists should go for the full emancipation right now and strive for the full freedom of conscience to dictate their own lives and deaths.

W. Rae Young

Freehold, NJ