Thanks to Cary McMullen for clarifying some of the confusion over the various terms used when talking about end-of-life options, but it should be noted that a death under the Oregon Death with Dignity act is not a physician-assisted suicide. The law states that "Actions taken in accordance with ORS 127.800 to 127.897 shall not, for any purpose, constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing or homicide, under the law."

While some may argue this is simply a "rose by any other name," patients who consider using the law point out that they are not killing themselves. Instead, it is their disease that is killing them.

Suicide is about choosing death over life. Given the option, terminally ill patients want to live, but being deprived of that option, they are seeking a more humane and dignified way to die.

Many professional organizations, including the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, have stated that the more accurate terminology to use is physician-assisted death.

MARY GROVE

Lakeland

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