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Freedom to make our own decisions is vital

Assisted suicide, Kavorkian

Re: U.S. assisted suicide cases poor examples (Letters, July 1)

The letters from south of our border are poor examples.

First of all, the doctor from Oregon probably works in a private hospital and his patient is able to afford good health insurance. It’s different here where universal health care (which I’m grateful for) means health care in a public hospital with wait lists for beds and bed pans.

The co-ordinator of an organization that is against assisted suicide and not living in Canada can only offer information that supports his bias and describe legal issues relevant in his state.

The lawyer from Seattle does not give credit to the individual who has made the personal and private – and I’m sure very difficult – decision to end his/her life within their circumstances which includes family dynamics. I doubt a physician would give the lethal dose of medication to someone who is not in an end-of-life-or debilitating condition. Whether or not that person is helped to take the medication is not the issue. It is the freedom to make decisions for ourselves, for our bodies.

Francine Halle

North Saanich