I found this article on Facebook; it's about people who want to end their lives when they're ill.

[Hekate]

12. "For people dying in discomfort, palliative sedation can relieve their pain." Discomfort?!

"Discomfort" sounds like something you take Aleve for. How about Tylenol with Codeine after minor surgery? My oral surgeon gives me a double dose of Ibuprofen after a root canal -- those are "discomfort" medications.

People who talk like that give me an ulcer.

How about agonizing pain that doesn't resolve with "palliative sedation"? How about someone with an otherwise strong and healthy body who is capable (with feeding tubes and a respirator) of continuing to breathe for many more months while their brain is consumed, they suffer crippling pain, lose control of all voluntary bodily functions, and their personality changes beyond recognition? If I get a diagnosis like that (gods forbid) I should hope I have time to make the jump to Oregon.

You think I'm afraid of comfort care and assistance for the disabled and/or helpless? No. I am not. One of our friends lived with MD for decades and decades. For a woman who was essentially a "talking head" from the time we met her, needing assistance for every aspect of her life, she surely lived an active and full life. Studied Persian poetry. Was out and about as an activist for the local disabled community, served on at least one board, testified at public meetings, had friends over, came to meetings of a club we both belonged to as long as she was able. It was cancer that finally killed her in her 50s, and did that ever piss her off. She still had things to do. (RIP Linda: you remain an example to all who knew you.)

If the author's issue is with the insurance companies, then by all means go after the sons of bitches with guns blazing. But don't take away the option that Brittany Maynard availed herself of and condemn others like her to a hideous and prolonged death. If you think a death like that is "God's will" then by all means make that decision for yourself, but not for me and not for others.

PS:
My dear Peggy: I am using "you" in the generic plural sense. I am not in any sense ascribing to your compassionate self the particular qualities that have made me so angry.
Hekate