Dear editor.
I’m responding to the letter entitled Faith negates the need for legalized euthanasia (Record, July 3).
I have been diagnosed as terminal with lung cancer since last December, when I was given six to 18 months to live.
I have now passed the first goal post.
But, it is getting increasingly more and more difficult for me to breathe.
Also, I am getting unable to talk since, for speech, one needs air or oxygen.
I am now remembering when our 17-year-old dog was dying last year. The Van Isle vets took us with our dog into their bereavement room, and we were with our beloved pet while he died peacefully, with the vet’s help.
It seemed so humane.
I’m also remembering that Quebec, where I lived for many years, has now allowed assisted suicide.
I’m aware that people get worried that legalized euthanasia could be misused, i.e., people who were, say, undesirable in some way, might be put to death against their wishes.
The countries, states and provinces which are now instituting assisted suicide have checks and balances which would preclude misuse.
If I, in my dying state, wish to hurry along the process, it seems to me it would be more humane to allow that to happen. I’m hoping that B.C. becomes more civilized—and soon.
Gwyn Frayne
Courtenay