Death is precious
Re “Bill introduced to allow physician-assisted death in Ohio,” April 23: Legislators, I – like many Ohioans – believe all life is precious.
Having experienced the death of my father, mother, mother-in-law and father-in-law at the end of their lives, I believe I am qualified to share that the moments at the end of life are most precious.
Helping a dying loved one as they pass is a gift of compassion and love. Reassuring the loved one that they are not alone and that they are loved is a gift from God and is cathartic for those loved ones who remain. These moments are important life moments that should not be minimized.
I ask for your consideration of my beliefs, and that you vote against any bill that would end life prematurely.
Thank you.
Dale Acree, Westerville
My death should belong to me
Don’t make me beg for dignity.
I should not need permission from the Ohio General Assembly to decide how my life ends. That decision is mine – and it should be protected by the Constitution.
We already recognize fundamental rights to privacy: whom we love, how we live, what we do within the walls of our home. Government does not belong in those decisions.
But at the most personal moments of all, the state steps in and says, “Not your choice.” That is wrong.
As an attorney, I have defended constitutional freedoms my entire career. This is no different.
The courts should act — and act now.
Because dignity delayed is dignity denied.
Michael Oser, Columbus
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Loved ones shouldn’t be denied the gift of death. Trust me | Letters
Reporting by Letters to the Editor, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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