Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Stand for life,’ Sept. 8.
A letter from Helen Long, CEO of Dying with Dignity Canada, was printed in the Sept. 1 Wellington Advertiser, one week earlier than Anne Jones’ letter. Long explained MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying) clearly and factually.
In part, Long wrote, “MAID is a choice made by an individual; there are robust criteria and safeguards in place to rule out coercion, including that the person must be approved by two independent assessors; there is no slippery slope. “
Jones’ letter about the hospice, would frighten readers. She wrote, “How wonderful it would be for this place in Fergus to be a loving haven to support those who are close to death without fear of being euthanized.”
It’s that phrase, “without fear of being euthanized,” that generates fear. For whatever reason, Jones didn’t seem to have read Long’s letter before writing her own. Had she done that, Jones would have understood her “fear” is unfounded.
Also, I am sad to learn of Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was a kind, benevolent, leader who demonstrated grace, respect and humour too. I wish her son, now King Charles III, all the best as he steps into his new role.
Jan Corbett,
Fergus