What are your thoughts about assisted suicide?

The author seemed opposed to the concept of assisted suicide (aka Death with Dignity). What are your thoughts about it? Do you know anyone who considered ending their life by that means? Would you?

My friend Bob, when diagnosed with terminal cancer, wasn't afraid of death but was afraid of pain. He qualified for and received the drugs necessary to end his own life. He did sign up with hospice and they were able to help him - a LOT. Nevertheless, he was relieved to have the option of assisted suicide. I'd definitely consider it, depending on circumstances. Like Bob, I might never use the drugs, but I'd definitely like to have the option if my life was coming to a close anyway.

Having watched a loved one linger and finally die from cancer, I am definitely for it. As long as the patient still has the mental capacity to make the decision and can communicate this to family and medical personnel. I agree with the above that it would be a stress reliever to have the option, because most people are afraid of the suffering involved.

Given the right situation it is permissible.

After seeing my mother in a coma and completely unresponsive, I wholeheartedly support it. We are so much more humane in dealing with our pets than we are with our loved ones. Letting one linger for weeks until life finally ebbs away seems very cruel not only to the dignity of the person but also for the family.

I believe that anyone who would consider it should make it known to those close to him sooner rather than later. I personally fear dying from a deteriorating disease and people who know me know what I would do while I still could do it.

I applaud Atul Gawande for advancing the conversation on the quality and choices for the end of our lives. I strongly believe that we should allow our loved to articulate their own priorities of treatment. With that in mind, I am puzzled as to why he omits the option for patient autonomy with medical aid in dying. From my point of view as well as from others, I do not see this as assisted-suicide but rather medical assistance with patient autonomy. The rights and options under the law for personal autonomy are legal in 26 states and growing. As such, it IS an option and a legal one in those states who made it so. I realize this can be a moral question for some; a religious decision for others. But, if we are discussing the options, this is one that is available and on the table as a choice for those who want the right to decide to pass peacefully and free of pain. Why did he not include this as a choice? I was disappointed in his failure to look at the whole picture of solutions for personal autonomy at the end of one's life. If we are to examine this issue as he presents it, then he should present an all-inclusive picture to guarantee personal autonomy,

As more than one person has remarked, I'm not afraid of death but all that I might have to go through to reach it. I'm 75, and I've told several of my hiking friends my wish would be to die on the trail and they have my apologies for the inconvenience I have caused them but they should not grieve for me as I couldn't imagine a better leave-taking. As for assisted suicide, I feel fortunate to live in a state where I have the option. I may not use it, but it's so comforting to know that I have the option if I need it.

I absolutely believe that, should I have a terminal illness, I have the right to decide when I've had enough pain and suffering. I understand however, that even though it would be my decision, it might be difficult for the person or persons who would need to assist my termination. I don't like to refer to is as "suicide" as, in my opinion, it is a matter of allowing nature to take it's course without medical intervention. I fear that too often medicine plays God and interferes in the natural process of dying.

I work in hospice and feel that we have the knowledge and expertise to make anyone comfortable so that they have a "good" death. However, I do feel that the option should be available to people. I think once people experience care under hospice they understand that pain and symptoms can be managed and a quality of life is possible even when dying.

Karen's response says it all. I believe we should all have the right to make the decision ourselves.

I agree with the opinions already given that the option for assisted suicide should exist for those who wish to die in this manner but I believe that I would not choose it for myself unless I was in unbearable pain that couldn't be resolved by using hospice care. My husband received hospice care and died a peaceful death thanks to their wonderful care.

For me, it's comforting just knowing that if I find myself at a
point where the tomorrows are no longer worth the todays I have the option.

I think it gives a patient some power in a situation where one feels completely powerless. And that's a mighty thing. Whether it gets used or not, to be able to make that decision for oneself is a comfort...for everyone involved. I agree with others that it needs to be discussed early and often.