When I was five, my grandpa was in the hospital with diabetes and many other illnesses.
His last few months were torture. I remember my mother saying that if he could speak, he would want the plug pulled to end his agony.
I believe my mother hurt more watching him go through that pain than she did the day he was gone. This is why the Death with Dignity Act in California was made, so that people and their families will not have to suffer like mine did. The act was passed on Monday, October 6, 2015.
It is a controversial bill that allows self-euthanasia for terminally ill patients with six months to live.
Patients can only do this if they are sure they want to end their lives. It requires patients to take the medication themselves; under the law, other people cannot administer the medicine.
The patient must sign papers and have two doctors sign off on the decision with two witnesses present, one of whom must be not be related to the patient.
I am not against this act, but I would honestly never use this act on myself, no matter the circumstances.
Most who oppose this are religious and see assisted suicide as an intervention in God’s plan.
The ones who side with me are typically nonreligious, and support the right to die. At the end of the day, it is the patient’s choice to live through the pain or end it.