While I was living in Palo Alto – CA in the 1990's, there was much controversy over euthanasia. A doctor Kevorkian had helped many people with terminal diseases to die peacefully and with dignity! He was termed Dr Death in the press. Dr Kevorkian only euthanized folk who signed a written death pledge. I wrote to press praising the doctor.
In the 1980's I was having a problem with my beautiful wife of 38 years of marriage, who was dying of Motor Neurone disease, the prognosis was 30 months from the first symptoms and she died exactly 30 months later. She often pleaded with me to end her life, but of course I could not, as I would be liable.
I read in a newspaper here in Tauranga – about three or four years ago, that about 700 doctors had performed euthanasia, and I totally agree, and remember the furore re the euthanizing by Leslie Martin of her terminally ill mother, who pleaded with Leslie to inject an overdose of morphine. Later – Leslie was incarcerated for her act – a grave injustice!
Now on TV Closeup 20 July 2010, a terminally ill doctor who previously was against euthanasia, is now advocating legalising it in NZ, providing that it is carried out with written agreement by the person concerned, and a doctor. The main objectors are the churches – as usual.
EM Izett, Tauranga.