End-of-life care needs resolution

Legislation allowing Vermonters the choice to direct their end-of-life care is long overdue. The time has come to enact legislation providing terminally ill people options and control over their final days.

Patient-directed care is about offering options, increasing comfort, and providing peace of mind to people who want to choose their end-of-life care. Patient-centered care is often talked about, but in reality, is not always available. Providing options to those who are terminally ill fosters autonomy, respect for individual choice and each person's concept of quality of life.

Polls demonstrate clearly that an overwhelming number of Vermonters support this legislation. Research indicates that 70 to 80 percent of all Vermonters favor legislation that will bring peace of mind and autonomy to terminally ill residents. This support is evident regardless of political persuasion, religion, economic background or education.

Providing clear and open guidelines, state oversight and medical safeguards can only enhance the health care providers may offer. Even those of who don't use the provisions of the law benefit by knowing they have the choice to end needless suffering. Intolerable pain does not have to be part of the end of life scenario.

This time is at hand to provide people with a law that honors individual choice, provides mental and physical comfort and protects the collaboration of patients and physicians in determining the best possible end-of-life care.

Discuss these issues with your family. If you support the right of people to make personal choices, contact your legislators and let them know you want them to make this legislation a priority during the coming session.

DENISE CONNALLY
Berlin