When I first heard about Oregon's legislation for death with dignity and its focus on a terminally ill individual's right to choose their own last day, I knew that it was a choice that I would want to have. I hope and believe it's not a choice I would use, but one that should exist.

The last day of your own life isn't something most of us want to contemplate. However, when death has already chosen you, and you've suffered through modern medicine and it's many advances as well as tortures, even with the best of palliative care, to the last of the several remaining days, a person should have the option for a moment of control. I know it's a very emotional subject and full of complex arguments of diverse cultural and social perspectives.

I also recognize that it's an extremely difficult discussion about how to create every possible safeguard against abuse. As a long time advocate for the disabled and vulnerable in our communities, I respect and understand the concerns that I have heard many Vermonters express. This is a discussion in which everyone's voice needs to be heard and considered very thoughtfully.

My approach to Senate Bill S.63 has always been from the perspective of an informed individual's choice and absolute safety. The elements of S.63 have been discussed in the Legislature for several years. Also, a non-partisan study was commissioned to fully investigate the issues and analyze the experiences in Oregon.

We have the benefit of eight years of safe history in Oregon to help balance some of the most extreme fears, and last year the U.S. Supreme Court upheld their legislation.

One of the most encouraging facts is that Oregon has emerged as a leader in hospice and palliative care. A heightened focus on end of life care has brought all the choices to the forefront.

According to the Oregon Hospice Association, 52 percent of the total number of people who died in the state in 2003 were enrolled in hospice. Vermont's hospice utilization, while increasing, is only about 25 percent. It's also important to know that of the less than 250 individuals who have acted by the law in Oregon since 1997, virtually all participants had health insurance, 92 percent were enrolled in hospice and 98 percent died at home. 84 percent were cancer patients, and none had pre-existing disabilities.

Physicians in Oregon report that since passage of the act in 1997 they have substantially increased their efforts to improve their knowledge of the use of pain medications, recognize psychiatric disorders such as depression, and to refer patients more frequently to hospice.

A Vermont Legislative Council study concluded that the Oregon law has operated without abuse and in all likelihood enhances care at the end of life.

Over the next few months the Vermont House and Senate committees will continue to hear testimony on this important legislation. I strongly encourage this discussion and believe that every Vermonter who wishes to be heard should communicate their support and their concerns, and also give your name and phone number.
Sen. Diane Snelling represents Chittenden County.