Thought provoking and touching article. Do you think he would have chosen assisted suicide if it was available to him? What other options could have been offered? Perhaps home care so he could be spared the embarrassment of dependency on his loved ones. Yet, they appreciated being able to support him and provided a connection they would never have experienced. I suppose if we could learn to accept the gift of that kind of support from family members, dignity would be maintained. Dignity: the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Those caring for him certainly thought he was worthy so maybe it's more about our ability, if in his position, to be vulnerable and accept love and care.
Thanks for your thoughtful questions and comments, Claudia. Death with Dignity, Medical Aid in Dying, or Physician Assisted Suicide (I think the latter term is most accurate) is now legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Not in Texas or Florida, where it is a felony. As you know, our ability to effectively manage most end-of-life symptoms (pain, nausea, dyspnea, and delirium) has improved considerably since the 1990’s. With modern hospice care most patients can die comfortably at home. We rarely admit patients to the hospital anymore for end-of-life care. Lamentably, we do not have effective treatment for what Frank experienced, the frailty and loss of independence that accompanies many terminal illnesses like cancer and ALS. Of note, the two most common reasons sought by persons accessing the Death with Dignity Act in Oregon were decreasing ability to participate in activities that make life enjoyable and loss of autonomy. My own observation is that these symptoms are often more troubling to patients than their loved ones. Several faith communities (Catholics, Orthodox Jews, and Muslims) officially oppose Physician Assisted Suicide for religious reasons. Frank was Catholic and his priest would likely have advised against it.
I enjoy reading your articles. I can hear your voice as I read and am so grateful for our family and the beautiful heritage that we share. We are both blessed beyond measure to have the loving and devoted parents and family that we have. ❤️
One of your best essays, Rush. Take care.
Thought provoking and touching article. Do you think he would have chosen assisted suicide if it was available to him? What other options could have been offered? Perhaps home care so he could be spared the embarrassment of dependency on his loved ones. Yet, they appreciated being able to support him and provided a connection they would never have experienced. I suppose if we could learn to accept the gift of that kind of support from family members, dignity would be maintained. Dignity: the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Those caring for him certainly thought he was worthy so maybe it's more about our ability, if in his position, to be vulnerable and accept love and care.
Thanks for your thoughtful questions and comments, Claudia. Death with Dignity, Medical Aid in Dying, or Physician Assisted Suicide (I think the latter term is most accurate) is now legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Not in Texas or Florida, where it is a felony. As you know, our ability to effectively manage most end-of-life symptoms (pain, nausea, dyspnea, and delirium) has improved considerably since the 1990’s. With modern hospice care most patients can die comfortably at home. We rarely admit patients to the hospital anymore for end-of-life care. Lamentably, we do not have effective treatment for what Frank experienced, the frailty and loss of independence that accompanies many terminal illnesses like cancer and ALS. Of note, the two most common reasons sought by persons accessing the Death with Dignity Act in Oregon were decreasing ability to participate in activities that make life enjoyable and loss of autonomy. My own observation is that these symptoms are often more troubling to patients than their loved ones. Several faith communities (Catholics, Orthodox Jews, and Muslims) officially oppose Physician Assisted Suicide for religious reasons. Frank was Catholic and his priest would likely have advised against it.
I enjoy reading your articles. I can hear your voice as I read and am so grateful for our family and the beautiful heritage that we share. We are both blessed beyond measure to have the loving and devoted parents and family that we have. ❤️
Thanks so much, Lynn. Yes, the love of family and friends is one of God's greatest blessings.