This spring, Oregon legislators will debate updating and
improving the l998 OREGON DEATH WITH DIGNITY ACT, which was a landmark in its day but many think needs modifications, especially to include degenerative illnesses (now only terminal illness). This letter makes the point:
LETTER TO THE EDITOR of the Eugene Register-Guard, Oregon
11 February 2019
Many Oregonians still not able to die a dignified death
In August of 2018, I found my significant other of 24 years lying in the backyard. He had shot himself in the head with a .38-caliber pistol about a month before his 80th birthday.
My partner had suffered with unbearable pain for more than two years after failed back surgery. He also had a number of other major medical issues. We had sought help from numerous physicians. We told professionals he was considering suicide to end his pain, but received NO help other than prescription drugs, which gave him little relief with debilitating side effects. The doctors, lining their pockets, just passed him around, collecting their fees but doing nothing for him.
He had expressed his desire to die with dignity, but he was not terminal. He suffered with pain at
the 8-10 level 24/7. He had NO quality of life. He was forced to take care of it himself. Sadly, his son and daughter found his suicide inexcusable.
Please, please support expanding the Death With Dignity Laws in Oregon. I do not wish anyone else to experience what it is like to find a loved one after they have ended their life, in desperation, with a .38.
Jane DeGroot, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
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