Assurances of a Peaceful Death

By Booth Gardner, Special to the Times, The Seattle Times, April 13, 2006

Guest Editorial

I am working actively to pass a law in the state of Washington that allows terminally ill patients to ask their doctors for life-ending medication they could self-administer if their suffering becomes unbearable. Providing this choice is the right thing to do and has strong support from virtually all groups across the state. It will have the same types of strong safeguards against abuse that have been successful in Oregon.

Assurances of a peaceful death when and if suffering becomes unbearable gives patients hope, comfort and peace of mind. It prevents violent, premature actions by people when facing death, when their fear is at its worst. The common wisdom among Oregon's hospice workers is that since aid in dying has been legal, the occasional violent suicides that used to occur among their patients have all but stopped.

Opponents call Oregon's humane state law encouragement of "suicide" as if there were no difference between deciding to dive off the Aurora Bridge and asking a physician for help in dying a dignified and peaceful death. This use of language confuses and distorts the reality of end-of-life decision-making. It is likely this confusion is purposeful but it should not be allowed to define acts and choices that are compassionate and humane.

A recent guest column by the Discovery Institute's Wesley J. Smith is typical of efforts to discredit legal options that give people a choice about how they can end their suffering when hope runs out and death is just a matter of time ("Assisted suicide is bad medicine," Times op-ed, March 29). Opponents exploit fears that legalizing aid in dying will open the door to abuse. Based on the documented Oregon experience, we know the opposite is true.

Moreover, we know that physician aid in dying goes on whether or not there is a law. It is covert, clandestine and prevalent. Research indicates physician-assisted or -hastened death in other states is four times more common than under Oregon's safe and open process.

And that makes sense. Bringing a hidden practice into the light of day means that we can add safeguards and guide decision-making with professional referrals and consultations. Patients can have an open and honest discussion with their doctors and loved ones. Their fears can be addressed. In short, this kind of legal framework brings compassion and safety into a process that is now shrouded in guilt and shame.

I receive several calls a week with personal stories about the need for a choice and dignity at the end of life. I believe the people in this state strongly support this humane measure and will not be swayed by fear-mongering opponents.

Life is not perfect but we should let the people decide. We don't need others to tell us they are better at making decisions for us than we are at making them for ourselves.

Booth Gardner served as governor of Washington state from 1985 to 1993. He is recovering from surgery Tuesday to reverse the neurological damage from Parkinson's disease.

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