Please remember that Choice also means End of Life choice, as well.

[politicat]

For many of us, the choice to die with dignity, in ease and with as minimal a wait as possible is impossible. Once one reaches an advanced age, or an advanced state of illness, death can be very welcome for the surcease of pain it will bring. But in this political climate, and with our current laws, it is illegal for physicians to prescribe lethal doses of drugs or give advice on how to use available equipment to end life.

We have to keep in mind that choice covers all of life, not just the time from conception to birth.

[tmooses]

1. I agree. Those who espouse the "culture of life" BS, are blinded by

the moralistic rhetoric of their religious and political leaders. Our law here in Oregon allows those to ease their pain with the knowledge that they have a choice. Most do not choose this path, but knowing they have a choice is of great comfort as they face death. I consider it insane if not outright inhuman to extend someone's life so they can experience a few more days of agony from such diseases as cancer. Here in the US, we seem to have a denial of death's place in the natural course of one's life. How much of the attack on Oregon's laws are for legal reasons compared to the political payback from the last election?

[KT2000]

2. Agree

I visit a nursing home often and can not get over the terribly sad lives that are maintained - for what?
One woman has been shrieking for ten years and must be attended to for all care.
Some roll through the halls declaring they are ready to die now, others yell:"help me" over and over again.
Another woman is held in a large wheelchair - her eyes darting around as a blind person would do. She is essentially "gone" but liquid food is poured down her throat at meal time.

I am learning that people who may want to end their lives will have to do it BEFORE the institutions get you. They are obligated to keep you going no matter what.