The proposed Ontario Substitute Decision Act is said to promote death with dignity (Living Wills legislation tabled by NDP – May 28). That cleverly conceived vocabulary for passive euthanasia is a mischievous use of language. Human life is not a conditional value. Being alive is a good in and of itself – no conditions attached. While there are unfortunate situations of illness when life may be sustained to a point where it is no longer pleasurable, are we to conclude that the condition is an indignity?
To apply another oft-repeated phrase in dealing with medical issues “there is another opinion” with regard to death with dignity, and that is the sanctity of life. Real dignity is to be found in the battle to sustain life.
Clearly it remains for the proponents of the “other opinion” to voice their immediate concern to the Ontario legislature.
