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As I See It

Wisconsin needs death with dignity law

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It is called death with dignity. But that is still not possible in Wisconsin, or most other states. It should be. But it remains illegal for doctors to provide a terminally-ill patient with medication allowing them to end their lives on their own terms. Only seven states and the District of Columbia currently have death with dignity laws. Wisconsin Senator Fred Risser has introduced a medica-aid-in-dying bill nine times since 1994, most recently two years ago. It has failed to pass each time. That is despite the fact there are plenty of protections in the proposed legislation. Only a person who is of sound mind, is not incapacitated, is at least 18 years old, a resident of the state and has a terminal disease could request medication from his or her doctor for the purpose of ending that person’s life in a humane and dignified manner. Only if all of those specific requirements are met could the medication be provided. Why should the government require those who are terminally ill, with no hope of recovery, to continue to suffer? We already allow those who are not sick to authorize end of life plans through a do not resuscitate document. Why can’t we do the same for those who know they are dying? The public has clearly weighed in on this issue. Surveys show 70% of those surveyed in Wisconsin support death with dignity laws. It is past time that Wisconsin showed it truly is the Forward State, and adopt a death with dignity law. It is the humane thing to do to end the suffering of those who are dying.

Scott Robert Shaw serves as WIZM Program Director and News Director, and delivers the morning news on WKTY, Z-93 and 95.7 The Rock. Scott has been at Mid-West Family La Crosse since 1989, and authors Wisconsin's only daily radio editorial, "As I See It" heard on WIZM each weekday morning and afternoon.

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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Don Quiote

    August 30, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Suicide is NOT healthcare.

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