PUTNEY-As a physician and a hospice volunteer, I read with interest the recent article highlighting a person who chose to end their life with a prescribed medication.
It was most surprising to me, however, that the article did not mention another option for people at the final stage of life.
Certainly, very few people would choose to end their life in prolonged pain and suffering, and thankfully there are multiple other options at present.
People who feel it is their time to leave this world can also choose to stop eating and drinking. It is gentle, essentially without discomfort, and allows nature to take its course while family members attend at home, with medical supervision available.
My own father made this choice, and recently a neighbor of mine did as well. It was right for them.
I am surprised and disappointed that the article in The Common s did not mention this choice that those who are close to the end of life currently have.
Burt Tepfer
Putney
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