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Assisted-dying law will respect wishes of all

Re: “Rankin should reconsider assisted-dying law,” letter, March 3. I feel empathy for the letter-writer who does not want any part of assisted dying.

Re: “Rankin should reconsider assisted-dying law,” letter, March 3.

I feel empathy for the letter-writer who does not want any part of assisted dying. This person should know that his choices are honoured and no one would ever be able to change his decision.

However, during my career in nursing and teaching nursing, I saw too many people suffering terribly and begging to die. Some were in terrible pain, some had lost all bodily functions and were so embarrassed, and some were curled up like infants crying to die. Thankfully, some did die in peace.

I appreciate the wonderful care in palliative care here in B.C., but many do not have that.

A woman in our apartment building last year with hospice care was found on the floor, vomiting and lying in feces that was all over the room. She was crying and begging to be taken out of her suffering. By the time help arrived, she had died alone on the floor covered with her body fluids.

The long-awaited Supreme Court ruling gives us choice and compassion. I hope all the recommendations will be implemented. Having studied this for 20 years and being cognizant of the safety laws to be implemented, I know that there will be no “slippery slope” and that people who want choice in dying with compassion and respect will be given that right while respecting the rights of those who do not want that choice.

Galina Coffey Lewis

Victoria