Assisted Suicide.. Discussion at the Pembroke Council on Aging

THE POPULAR ELDER SAVVY SHOW IS BACK WITH HOST MARY WILLIS

Wonder no longer what happened to Mary Willis's Elder Savvy show. It's being produced and shown by Pembroke Community Media Center right here in Pembroke.  Today's guest is Attorney Patricia D. Stewart who presents timely information on a pending Massachusetts bill which would legalize and re-categorize a large dose of Seconal (Secobarbital sodium) as a medication, rather than as a poison.

Attorney Stewart gives a clear, informative, and detailed presentation of the issues and laws surrounding this topic; and exposes the fact that there is no "assisting" involved in taking large doses of poison at home. "Medical science today has the ability to prevent anyone from suffering uncontrolled pain.  Hospice and palliative care people tell me that if a patient is in that kind of pain they should be getting another doctor, because there's no excuse or reason for it today," Attorney Stewart explains.

You can count on Mary Willis to ask the questions you'd like answered, and to point out that insurance companies could legally opt to pay for cheaper death-resulting pills rather than more expensive curative medications. Insurance companies in Oregon already are doing just that.  "It sounds like a horrible way to go," says Ms. Willis, referring to the 3 hours of convulsions and vomiting that typically accompany a Seconal overdose.  "Well it's certainly not a painless death with dignity," replies Attorney Stewart.

This Elder Savvy episode has an audience, members of which ask questions too.  You'll want to watch this show.  Click here to see the pills and educate yourself on matters which could affect you and those you love.

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