I am a woman of conviction writing to respond to Robert Goodrich’s letter (Herald, Feb. 8) regarding our local health care facilities’ stand on assisted suicide. My conviction on this issue stems from years of experience with dying patients.
As a registered nurse for the past 40 years, I have worked in intensive care units, in cardiac care, in community health and in hospice. I have cared for many, many patients, and for my own family members, as they “crossed over” from life into death. And I have learned and know this to be true: Never, ever judge someone’s choices about death. Whether you are there as a family member or a caregiver, you are acting as a witness for that person’s journey and to help that person die without pain and in dignity.
Dignity is a precious human commodity. It is most precious at the time of death, when you have very little to say about preserving it.
I wonder if Mr. Goodrich has ever had to ask himself the question: Where does the very fine line of pain control cross over into death?
I wonder if he has considered that there are worse things than death, like: intractable pain, torture, or conditions that create a healthy body and a dead brain; or worse yet, a healthy brain and a dead body?
I wonder if he has ever had to suppress his beliefs and moral judgments to ameliorate the suffering of another. I have, and I guarantee that each health professional at Centura and Mercy has as well.
Are religious beliefs or the hospital’s bureaucracy really more important than eliminating a dying person’s suffering? Death with dignity allows the patient and the health care provider to create a caring environment at a time when dignity suffers its greatest assault. Think about it. Wouldn’t you want a health care provider to act in accordance with your conviction at the time of your death? Don’t deny the right to die with dignity from anyone else.
Linda E. Daniel, RN, Ph.D.
Durango
