I had to respond to the recent op-ed, “Don’t be fooled by support for ‘medical-aid-in-dying.’ You’re not getting the full story.” Allowing terminally ill patients to end their lives affords individuals with an option that is grounded in long-standing legal principles of individual self-determination. The experiences of jurisdictions that allow physicians to prescribe life-ending medications for patients to self-administer have not resulted in widespread abuses. In Oregon, the state with the first U.S. medical aid in dying statute (Death with Dignity Act) requires explicit procedures to be followed, including a discussion about other alternatives such as hospice and palliative care.
Oregon reported that .08% of deaths recorded by the state in 2023 resulted from physician-ordered life-ending medications. In the Netherlands, a pioneering jurisdiction in this area, its law providing for physician-assisted death requires a finding of “hopeless and unbearable pain.” Even in this much more liberal nation, only a small number of annual deaths take place pursuant to this Dutch law. In those jurisdictions that have legalized medically assisted death, there is no evidence to suggest that either patients or providers are coerced to participate.
Oregon also reports that a significant number of patients who are prescribed life-ending medications ultimately decide not to take these drugs. The current Illinois debate over medical aid in dying is not new, as the pros and cons of this issue have been widely addressed in numerous public arenas, both in the U.S. and abroad.
No doubt policy makers need to craft laws and regulations that clearly delineate procedures that must be followed to prevent potential abuses that could erode end of life medical standards. But ultimately, legalizing medical aid in dying offers an important choice for terminally ill patients in keeping with the current emphasis on whole person health care, and respect for patient rights.
John D. Blum, professor of health law emeritus, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
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Killing of Gaza’s children, civilians ‘horrific’
Chicago-area Dr. Thaer Ahmad’s description of conditions in Gaza, especially his comments on not only the suffering of the remaining children in Gaza, but on the 13,000 children killed, was heartfelt and depressing.
Of course, Israel had to respond to Hamas’ barbarism when it killed hundreds of Israeli citizens and foreign nationals on Oct 7; however, the response was nothing more than horrific itself and reminded me of how the Schutzstaffel (SS) and Gestapo would kill 100 civilians in retaliation for resistance fighters killing one German officer.
I have always supported Israel, but it has crossed the line of humanity. The children of Gaza did nothing to Israel, but I’m afraid they will not forget this slaughter.
Larry Ashe, Chicago
No, Mr. Trump, housewives don’t like you
During his speech in Michigan Tuesday, Donald Trump, while warning about the “dangers” of migrants, said, “The suburban housewives actually like Donald Trump, you know why, because I’m the one who’s gonna keep them safe...”
Guess what, Trump? You’re wrong. I’m a suburban housewife and I, along with many, many others, DON’T like you. We can protect ourselves. You can count on that. We will protect ourselves from you in November!
Jackie Tinker, Des Plaines
