"Should physicians be allowed to help people commit suicide?"
(asked at the Kingsgate Library on 10-03-96; published in the JA on 10-06-96)

Inez Freeman, Librarian, Woodinville

"Yes, I think they should. I think an individual should be responsible for their own life and in control of their own life and it's his decision. And many times he doesn't have the means to end it cleanly, or early. If he can get some professional advice, he's able to exit more smoothly... I think with safeguards -- not just feeling blue at the moment, time to consider, time to seek other opinions and know the outcome of his probably terminal disease -- it's an individual decision. He deserves the right to make that choice with professional help."

Dave Schor, Instructor, Seattle

"That's not an easy one... I think people should have control over their own fate, but when someone else is involved -- a husband, or wife, or physician -- that seems like it's crossing the line. So I can see people taking their own life, but to assist is probably unethical. I know it's a sensitive issue and I haven't thought long and hard about it."

Barney Becker, Accounts payable clerk, Woodinville

"I think if they have a life-threatening disease or condition that is irreparable, then, yes. It seems a more honorable way to go than to do something yourself -- there's still a certain disgrace when somebody takes their own life. Somebody who doesn't know what that person was going through... all the pain and suffering... . That phrase, 'death with dignity' -- it's a more dignified way to end your life knowing that a professional physician concurred with your thoughts."

Jessica Anderson, Pre-school teacher, Kirkland

"No. I don't believe in it personally. I'm a religious person and -- I don't know if I should say this, but -- I believe he's going to burn in hell. It's against God's will. I just think that they should ask or talk to a preacher or pastor, even if they're a non-believer, just so they could get some real input... I believe the physician is also violating God's will."

Shannon Wallace, Library page, Bothell

"That's a tough question. We debated it in our school debate class and actually had to research both sides of the issue and my decision was I'm for a physician being able to assist with suicide. I don't really understand why suicide in general is illegal -- everybody should be able to do what they think is best for themselves."

Debbie Cowden, Full-time mom and volunteer, Woodinville

"No, because I think it's a personal decision and if you're going to make that big a decision, you should do it, commit suicide, all by yourself. I'm sure it's easier for Kervorkian, for a physician, to help, but I think there's a lot to live for. But if someone chooses to go that route, a physician who assists should not be prosecuted."

Copyright © 1996 by the Bellevue, WA-based Journal American newspaper.

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