Initiative 1000 would legalize assisted suicide, permitting a doctor to give a lethal overdose to a patient if the doctor feels that the patient is likely to die within six months.

Proponents argue that this initiative presents a “humane step toward improving care for terminally ill adults.” But an actual reading of the initiative text shows no real safeguards to protect the vulnerable. Instead, Initiative 1000 pressures those without adequate insurance or financial means to think that they have no choice other than assisted suicide. It provides an incentive for health plans to cut costs by encouraging assisted suicide. And it places many Washingtonians at risk.

Ending ones own life is not a matter of choice. It is about whether we as a society are willing to put traditionally oppressed groups at risk of pressure to commit suicide based on long-held prejudices. In our broken health care system, saving money will usually win out over the genuine needs of the sickest patients.

The opposition to assisted suicide does not come from a single group or church; is a broad coalition of left, right, and center. They are secular and religious; pro-choice and pro-life; Democrat and Republican; white, African-American, Hispanic and Asian. They are all united to ensure assisted suicide is not legalized in Washington.

Patients currently have end-of-life choices, including durable power of attorney and living wills, among others. Patients at the end of life deserve personal care and real compassion. They don’t need assisted dying; they want assisted living.

Bernie Wittgens

Kent

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