(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Amendment ONE on the 2024 ballot in West Virginia makes medically assisted suicide constitutionally illegal. Even though it’s already illegal by law. Why put it in the constitution?

When I was a child most people died of serious illnesses in a relatively short time — there was little doctors could do. Then new machines became available to keep people alive almost indefinitely. After a long fight, individuals can make legally binding Living Wills that specifies treatments that they would refuse and have doctors sign DO NOT RESUSCITATE orders. Hospice provides a dignified, relatively pain-free way to die.

Amendment ONE frightens me because it freezes us in the present time and prevents adaptation to new technology. Although it says that pain medications will not be restricted, I worry doctors and nurses will be afraid to administer adequate doses for fear of being prosecuted if the patient dies. Will family members be prosecuted if they ask medical personnel to follow the terms of Living Wills?

A parallel case exists involving the new restrictions in many states on abortions. Doctors and hospitals refuse to treat women suffering from pregnancy complications because they may be charged with aborting a fetus. This has killed several women and left others infertile. Would Amendment One cause doctors and hospitals to refuse to respect patient wishes at the end of life?

I have euthanized several pets when they had terminal illnesses. In one case, I failed to do that in a timely fashion and watched her suffer for several days before she died. I still feel guilty. Why do we not give the people we love the same kindness we give our pets? I once read a story about a young child experiencing death for the first time. The child viewed death as just the other end of birth. Indeed in the Christian tradition, most people believe that death is passing to a new life.

Individuals must be allowed to determine their medical care. This should be an individual right. Tell the State to keep their hands off our bodies.

Vote NO on amendment ONE.

Judith Peascoe

Vienna