From Jack

THANK YOU, DR. KEVORKIAN

by Jack Reeves

Dr. Jack Kevorkian died. He is a modern medical pioneer because of his support of physician-assisted suicide when an individual is terminally ill. Washington, Oregon and Montana allow patient choices. Vermont soon.

No religion or secular authority gives life. Neither has a right to dictate disposition. My life belongs to me. So does my death. I determine when I die. Hospice and pain palliation are important considerations.

Physician-assisted suicide should be available in every state.

When an illness is terminal and suffering marks it, the final assertion of being should not be denied by the state.

I can argue that Jesus committed suicide--even doing it for the sins of mankind. "He made his face like flint to face Jerusalem." (Luke 9:51)

For context, I have graduate degrees in religion, psychology and law.

The following is from Patient Choices Vermont

“How to Die in Oregon” Documentary on HBO

Winner – Best Documentary – Sundance Film Festival

In How to Die in Oregon, filmmaker Peter Richardson gently enters the lives of the terminally ill as they consider whether—and when—to end their lives by lethal overdose. Richardson examines both sides of this complex, emotionally charged issue. What emerges is a life-affirming, staggeringly powerful portrait of what it means to die with dignity. –Sundance website

From the filmmaker, Peter Richardson: My hope for the film is that it opens a dialogue on this critical issue by taking a look at the experiences of a few Oregonians…. Though these individuals ultimately had a choice about when they died, a choice most others do not have, I believe there is much to be learned from their stories and the way that they approached the end. –Filmmaker Magazine

Watch it on HBO
June 4th – 10:15 am
or On-Demand at www.hbo.com

“How to Die in Oregon” Filmmaker Interviewed by Anne Galloway

On Vermont Digger
Filmmaker Peter Richardson and vtdigger.org editor Anne Galloway discuss Richardson’s new documentary “How to Die in Oregon” following a special presentation of the movie in Williston. Also included are comments by Governor Peter Schumlin. The movie debuts on HBO May 26th at 8pm ET/PT.