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As a Christian, I find this is a very tough issue. As a human being, the issue becomes less clouded. I think it was harder before I got older and became entangled in so much pain. It gets easier day by day.

Having worked in nursing homes before the "great nursing home reform", it was a common happening to have the nurse pull the plug at the patient's request. The first time I saw it happen, shock ripped through me like a bullet. But, the more I thought about it and the more I saw of it, it seemed the most merciful and humane solution to a person whose health had no chance of becoming better.

At a time when a patient's life is the most critical, they lose their say in what happens and when. They are denied pain medication because they might become addicted to it. They are dying! What difference does that make? Nurses, doctors, and families speak of them as if they are not even there, making decisions that reflect their beliefs and desires, and have nothing to do with the patient's needs or level of pain.

Lou Gehrig's Disease is one of the most inhumane diseases known to mankind. Cancer eats away at your body and when I say "eats", I mean it eats it away. Pain of inhuman nature should not be allowed to continue as there is no way it will be different in a few days time.

Doctor-assisted euthanasia should be the right of a patient. They are the only one who knows how much they are suffering. I have seen and been part of the selfishness of the family or friends who want that person there just one more day. I have regretted my decision to try and prolong a friend's life for my own gratitude. She suffered horribly and all I cared about was having her around just another day. I pray she forgives me.

I believe many patients would be more than willing for doctor-assisted death than doctor-assisted living. Trying to end your own life is not always successful and the thought of making things worse does not help. With your doctor present, to make sure things go as planned, is one of the most merciful treatments a doctor could do. It is not a failure on their part to heal the patient but it is their responsibility to make them as comfortable as possible.

I certainly am not dealing with those who have years left of being uncomfortable nor am I dealing with those who have a definite hope of recovery. But for those whose only outcome is death, physician-assisted euthanasia should be made a patient's right. It isn't even dying with dignity, it is being merciful to those in need of mercy.

Learn more about this author, Linda Steinbiser.
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