There are people who wish to die everywhere around the world…they each have their reasons…some actually make it happen. Those people are often desperate, sick, experiencing financial, emotional or physical difficulties which can cloud, or influence their decision to take their own life. My concern is, that in those moments of desperation or depression, having the stamp of approval from people approved by the state legitimizing the option of suicide will only reinforce their hopelessness.
The state of Washington is trying to get 225,000 valid voter’s signatures before July 3rd so that they can get an initiative on the November ballot called Death with Dignity. If they can accomplish this goal…in November, voters will have the chance to create a new law condoning suicide in certain circumstances.
If a person has been diagnosed as having a fatal disease; and has less than 6 months to live, and two seperate doctors are in agreement about that diagnosis; the patient will then have the option of submitting a request to receive a perscription for a medicine combination that will cause their death. When making their verbal request to receive that medication, they must request it twice, 15 days apart; they must also submit a written request, witnessed by two other people who are not their doctor, family or friends who will not benefit, legally or financially, from the death of that person making the request. It all seems so logical and thought out; however, it doesn’t take into account the possibly opposing wishes or moral convictions of the patient’s loved ones. What about religious beliefs…suicide goes against the grain of most religious beliefs…and family members who are left behind struggle with their feelings and emotions at the complex blend of rejection,fear,anger and loss..not to mention guilt about being unable to prevent the suicide. At the end of that person’s life…offering the option of suicide can cause great distress, at a time when support is what is needed most! I think great harm can come from this with regards to having emotional conflicts between the patient and the people closest to them. What do you think about this issue?
Washington state is and will always be my second adopted home state. I have many loved ones there; I would hate to think that anyone i loved could choose to leave the world in this way. Every life has value…and is precious…every day is a gift of time with each other. http://www.save.org/ or http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or http://www.afsp.org/
Write where you are 
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