Letter to Senator Mikulski

John Eltringham

11/10/2013

Dear Senator Milkulski:

I am writing to you to address a very controversial topic, and that topic is whether or not assisted suicide should be made available. I personally believe that assisted suicide should be made available to those who are suffering or are terminally ill. While I understand taking that stance may make it seem where I do not value life, but that is not the case. Allowing the suffering to end their lives on their terms is the empathetic thing to do. Assisted suicide, or physician aid in dying, should be made available to terminally ill patients in the United States who do not wish to go through the last, painful months of their lives or for those who experience a loss of autonomy. It provides a dignified death, and avoids much of the suffering that would go along with dying.

I'm sure you have had a family member who has gone through some type of cancer or other terminal disease. I'm also sure you have experience the same heart breaking moment that I and many others have experienced. Elisabeth MacDonald, author of Easeful Death: Is There a Case for Assisted Dying, says, “You will never experience a greater sorrow than watching a loved one slowly die in a hospital, supported only by a machine.” Physician aid in dying doesn't always necessarily mean helping someone kill themselves. It could also mean pulling the plug when a patient can no longer live on their own. In the state of Maryland if the physician aids in anyway in the death of a patient it is considered a penalty. In many other states it is considered manslaughter and can result in up to 15 years in prison.

The argument against physician's aid in dying is that it is immoral, inhumane, and goes against god. I do not believe that god should play any part in making laws as our country was founded on the belief that religious bias should be kept out of politics. Yet, in many cases it plays a huge part in what laws are passed. Our moral code should not be delegated by an ancient religious text. Allowing the suffering to have a painless and dignified death is not immoral or wrong. It is only allowing the suffering patient to end his/her life on their own terms, which is what we all want in the end. Senator Mikulski, I implore you to put yourself in the shoes of the suffering, and think to yourself what you would want to be done if you were them.

Sincerely,

John Eltringham