To the editor,
In early spring 1957 my Grandma went into her garden and picked a bunch of snowdrops to send to me. A couple of weeks later she collapsed into a deep coma and died in her own bed within three weeks. At 83 she had lived an independent life to the end, with some help from the family.
Come summer 1993 my Mum and I went on a trip to Wales and had a visit down a slate mine. A couple of weeks later she went into a deep coma but this time we had to watch her for six months before she died. At 88 she had lived an independent life with some help from the U.K. government and family.
In a few weeks I will be 89 and I live an active, interesting, and independent life with help from 211 and my friends.
But even though I carefully made a decision about medical assistance in dying after discussions with close friends and my doctor some years ago, under the proposals in Bill C-7 my wishes will, in all likelihood, be ignored. I will have no choice over my own body.
Pat Portsmouth, Nanaimo
READ ALSO: Assisted dying bill reintroduced in Ottawa as court deadline looms
<hr width=”75%”>
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters or letters specifically addressing someone else will not be published.
Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7
Fax: 250-753-0788
E-mail: editor@nanaimobulletin.com
