New Mobility, October 2002

New Mobility Magazine
October 2002

Letter to the Editor: Respect Choice to Die

Congratulations on publishing the debate on the right to assisted dying in the August issue. I am gratified that the disability press has come so far in the last 20 years, and am also gratified that the disability rights movement has evolved to the point where people with disabilities can differ on issues and still be treated with respect.

I would like to make one important point about the debate for your readers. The heading of Ms. Coleman's article is "Acceptable Losses?" In the view of AUTONOMY, Inc., there are no acceptable losses. Only people who choose to die voluntarily may use the Oregon law, and it only applies to people with terminal illnesses. Anybody, with or without a disability, can develop a horrible terminal illness such as cancer, and at some point could determine that life is no longer tolerable. This is that person's choice and we must respect it.

Drew Batavia
Miami Beach, Florida