November 30, 2006

Death with dignity

Soon it will be time for our lawmakers to convene once again. I sincerely hope that they will act to pass the Death with Dignity Bill.

This bill is about death with kindness. It is an opportunity to assure that all Vermonters die peacefully with the dignity with which we live our lives. This is a medical option that we all deserve; a choice we should all be allowed to make for ourselves.

I watched my beloved husband suffer with a disease for which there was no cure. He struggled with every effortful breath. Eventually he was taken to the hospital in the ambulance, intubated and was put on a breathing machine -- something he definitely did not want. His heart finally gave out, but not before he tried to mouth words to me. I couldn't understand him because of the tube in his throat. How much more dignified his death might have been and how much easier it would have been for both of us had we been able to say our final goodbyes at a time of our choosing, in the privacy of our own home.

So please discuss this bill with your family. Death is certain. Suffering need not be. I would like the opportunity of a peaceful and dignified death.

JANICE BARNARD
Waitsfield