Legalizing assisted suicide is a mistake

The following letter was published in the Vancouver Sun, in response to the article concerning the BC Civil Liberties Association's attempt to strike down Canada's laws protecting people from euthanasia and assisted suicide through the courts. The letter by Dr. William Toffler states:

Legalizing assisted suicide is a mistake

Vancouver Sun - July 4, 2011

Re: Westbank woman joins court fight to die with dignity, Column, June 29

I am a doctor in Oregon where physician-assisted suicide is legal. In my practice, I have discussed assisted suicide with more than a dozen patients. One of the first was with a man in a wheelchair with a progressive form of multiple sclerosis who asked me for assistance with his suicide.

I told him that I could readily understand his fear and his frustration and even his belief that assisted suicide might be a good path for him.

At the same time, I told him that should he become sicker or weaker, I would work to give him the best care and support available.

I told him that no matter how debilitated he might become, that, at least to me, his life was, and would always be, inherently valuable. As such, I would not recommend, nor could I participate in his suicide.

He simply said: "Thank you."

How we respond to someone requesting suicide can either reflect the person's inherent worth or can cause the person even deeper desperation. Patients can even feel pressured to proceed.

Under our law, there is no assurance that the deaths are voluntary. Don't make our mistake.

William L. Toffler
Portland Oregon