Oregon woman changed her mind about assisted suicide after her doctor helped her find something to live for.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
 

The patient that I specifically recall is a patient by the name of Jeanette Hall. She was referred to me by her surgeon. She had a low rectal cancer.

Dr Kenneth Stevens

So when I saw her I told her what she had, I told her we could treat it with radiation and chemotherapy and said that this is potentially treatable.

She said I don't want to go through all that. I had an Aunt who lost her hair and I don't want to lose my hair.

She went back and saw the surgeon. The surgeon told her that if she wasn't treated that she would be dead within 6 months or a year.

The Oregon law says that if life expectancy is 6 months you qualify for the law so I could have written her a prescription for the lethal medication at that time.

She came back and I talked with her again and she said: why aren't you giving me the pills? I want the pills.

I learned more about her. I learned that she had a son who was going to the police academy. I said:  

Wouldn't you like to see him graduate? That really made her think that I really have something to live for.

Jeanette Hall with her son.

She really struggled in her mind as to whether she was going to be treated or not treated. She finally accepted the treatment, it took a few weeks to give, it was not easy, she actually did lose her hair and her hair grew back and she was able to attend her son's graduation from the police academy.

Five years later, my wife and I were at a restaurant and she was there with a friend and she came over and she said:

Doctor Stevens, you saved my life. If I had gone to a doctor that believed in assisted suicide I would not be here. I'd be dead.

The film clip is from the Fatal Flaws film. 
The Fatal Flaws film can be purchased or rented at: (Link).

• The assisted suicide bill was aimed at people like my husband.

• Fatal Flaws film will change the way you view assisted death.