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To the Editor:pop slots free

Re “U.K. Lawmakers Vote to Permit Assisted Dying” (front page, Nov. 30):

The British vote on assisted dying, coming nine years after a similar measure was rejected, shows that what in the U.S. is termed medical aid in dying is increasingly recognized as a compassionate and peaceful end of life option for those near death.

It would not be surprising if many lawmakers learned from the experience in the U.S., where medical aid in dying has been enormously successful in the 10 states and Washington, D.C., that authorize the practice. Not only have the laws worked as intended, but no problems have arisen as expected by opponents, such as discrimination against vulnerable populations, or a slippery slope.

In fact, I am not aware of one court decision finding abuse, coercion or any other noncompliance with these laws. And, because life is precious, only a small percentage of those who are dying, far less than 1 in 100, actually end their lives in this way. Still it gives peace of mind and comfort to dying patients to know the option is available.

In the U.K., as in the U.S., there is substantial public support for medical aid in dying. In the U.S. physicians support the practice by a wide margin. In New York, where there is a pending bill, leading medical, nursing, legal and church organizations support the bill: the Medical Society of the State of New York, the New York State Nurses Association, the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Council of Churches.

Medical aid in dying should be an option available to all adult terminally ill patients who have the decision-making capacity.

David C. LevenPelham, N.Y.The writer is executive director emeritus and senior consultant for End of Life Choices New York.

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