Should New York Pass the Aid in Dying Legislation?

It's been legal in Oregon for nearly 2 decades, but in New York it is not okay for a doctor to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to a terminally ill patient.

There are two bills currently being considered by lawmakers that would make aid in dying legal in New York.

What do you think?

Two doctors were in front of lawmakers last week explaining palliative care and aid in dying.  Palliative care is the type of care given to severely ill people to relieve pain and stress, and if the laws pass in New York, would also be part of the aid in dying process.

The bills would give terminally ill, mentally competent adults the right to request a lethal dose of medication that can be self-administered.  And, Dr. David Grube and Dr. David Pratt are just 2 of the many people lobbying New York lawmakers in order to allow this process here in New York.

Prescribed medication for the end of life speeds up an already inevitable process, and the doctors say that having the prescription can restore a sense of control and bring solace to patients who seek more comfort and autonomy at the end of life.  Unfortunately, in some cases, terminally ill patients take their own lives violently.  With the passing of this legislation, that would not be necessary.

But, opponents fear these bills may lead to coercion of the sick and vulnerable which could lead to euthanasia.

Do you think our legislators should pass the aid in dying bills?

Let us know in the comment section below.

To read more on the Doctors' visit, click here.

To find out more about aid in dying, click here.