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Right to Die in California

2015-10-05 22:24:42.064856+00 by Dan Lyke 1 comments

California governor Jerry Brown signs hard-won right-to-die legislation.

Dear fucking every "news" organization out there: How come I had to go to a link-bait-y Quartz site to find the link to the actual signing letter (PDF):

Oct 5 2015

To the Members of the California State Assembly:

ABx215 is not an ordinary bill because it deals with life and death. The crux of the matter is weather the State of California should continue to make it a crime for a dying person to end his life, no matter how great is pain or suffering.

I have carefully read the thoughtful opposition materials presented by a number of doctors, religious leaders and those who champion disability rights. I have considered the theological and religious perspectives that any deliberate shortening of one's life is sinful.

I have also read the letters of those who support the bill, including heartfelt pleas from Brittany Maynard's family and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. In addition, I have discussed this matter with a Catholic Bishop, two of my own doctors and former classmates and friends hwo take varied, contradictory and nuanced positions.

In the end, I was left to reflect on what I would want in the face of my own death.

I do not know what I would do if I were dying in prolonged and excruciating pain. I am certain, however, that it would be a comfort to be able to consider the options afforded by this bill. And I wouldn't deny that right to others.

Sincerely,

Edmund G. Brown Jr.

Given his faith, this was not a slam dunk, so it's so nice to see this! Also, this letter is a pretty damned good argument for the Oxford comma.

[ related topics: Religion Interactive Drama Health Sociology Current Events Civil Liberties California Culture ]

comments in descending chronological order (reverse):

#Comment Re: Right to Die in California made: 2015-10-06 00:23:50.941993+00 by: meuon [edit history]

I have many stories about this topic to tell... but it would impact others.

I believe:

I've had dear friends "exit stage left" under those conditions when their cancer and/or other problems reached that point. Being careful with the Hospice, EMT's, Coroner... is a minefield that should not have to be walked.

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