By Star Jameson, Hamilton
The new legislature in Montana is hard at work focusing on vital issues to our State. A few individuals are hard at work threatening end-of-life options for the terminally ill. Since 2009, Montana physicians have been able to write a prescription that an adult who is terminally ill and mentally capable may ingest to bring about a peaceful death. There have been challenges to this policy in previous legislatures and all have failed because Montana citizens believe in liberty in all stages of life, including the final stage.
I visit with elders in a local assisted living on a regular basis. I ask them about their end of life choices, and all but one are deeply comforted that if their pain becomes too overwhelming, they can ask for help, to die with dignity, and in ease. Several have already suffered with various cancers or terminal diseases. They feel gifted to have this extra time. But they also want to know relief will be available when they near the end.
There is apparent confusion between euthanasia (which is illegal in all 50 states) and medical aid in dying. The latter requires the patient to be able to take the medication themselves, and always remain in control. That is another aspect my elder friends emphasize, self-determination about when and where and with whom they want present at their bedside.
Please call or write your legislator and let him or her know that you support Montana’s end of life policies, and do not want them changed.