To the Editor:

This letter is in response to the Newtown Bee editorial of February 17 supporting “Aid In Dying.” I am in strong opposition to CT SB 88, which is another attempt to legalize assisted suicide.

Call it what you want, but SB 88 is not “compassionate,” but communicates to the terminally ill person that their life is no longer worth protecting and defending. This legislation has been defeated every year that it has been proposed, and it is my hope that this attempt at diminishing life will also fail.

There are many support systems available to the terminally ill, including palliative care and hospice. Our efforts should be directed at supporting the individual who is ill, through our prayers, assistance, and our simple presence. I had several experiences accompanying a loved one or friend in making the final days of their lives meaningful and valuable. It is a time of vulnerability, closeness, and love. In many ways, it is a time of holiness and grace — of tenderness and compassion.

Perhaps it makes us feel uncomfortable that we cannot control our own terminal illness. We don’t want to be a burden to our loved ones. Likewise, it troubles us to perceive that our loved one is in the process of dying. Could it be that it reminds us of our own mortality? Don’t we want our loved ones to accompany us in our final days?

Persons who are terminally ill are worth supporting and loving, even though it may be difficult. Their inherent value and dignity calls us to action to support them. Our state government should be focusing its efforts at supporting the terminally ill by increasing access to palliative care, hospice services, and by leading our citizens to defend all life, which has inherent merit and dignity.

Let us work together to find true compassion, rooted in love, hope, and tenderness.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Gorman

Newtown