An option turns to an ever-present suggestion

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Steven Fletcher recently responded to my letter about his euthanasia bills stating that my concerns about his motives concerning the issue are ridiculous.

Steven Fletcher recently responded to my letter about his euthanasia bills stating that my concerns about his motives concerning the issue are ridiculous.
When I was younger I had several very painful surgeries. If someone had asked me, while I was in severe pain, if I wanted to die, I would have said yes. When I am at a low point in my life, I do not want someone questioning me about whether I should live.
Fletcher’s euthanasia bills undermine protections in law. He states his bills will “empower competent adults to make decisions for themselves based on their own values and ethics.” His bills actually empower physicians and the state to     kill people by euthanasia. People         with disabilities, those with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, and people with cognitive disabilities are all at risk from Fletcher’s bills. He speaks about choice, but these people are dependent on others to make decisions for them.
In Belgium a recent study found that people with Alzheimer’s/Dementia or in coma were often being killed without request, and yet the Belgium law has the same supposed safeguards as Fletcher’s bills.
In Switzerland, the assisted death groups have established themselves in nursing homes. Once assisted death becomes a legal option it also becomes an ever-present suggestion.
Legalizing euthanasia does not create greater rights for people with disabilities and the frail elderly but rather it will often lead to the death of vulnerable   people.
Steven Passmore
HAMILTON, ON