Assisted Suicide Affirmative Action To Come?

It seems that, indeed, those who take advantage of legal assisted suicide in Oregon and Washington are affluent and white. So what? Might some pro-deathers now start arguing for affirmative action for assisted sucide? Only half kidding . . .

Assisted suicide most often chosen by affluent whites

Dr. Richard Wesley has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the incurable disease that lays waste to muscles while leaving the mind intact. He lives with the knowledge that an untimely death is chasing him down, but takes solace in knowing that he can decide exactly when, where and how he will die.

Under Washington state’s Death With Dignity Act, his physician has given him a prescription for a lethal dose of barbiturates. He would prefer to die naturally, but if dying becomes protracted and difficult, he plans to take the drugs and die peacefully within minutes. more