Letter to the editor: Compassionate death

Notes: Author describes the death of a beloved uncle in Belgium "where physician assisted suicide is legal -- though the individual has to go through a very specific process to be approved for the procedure". "When he died, his children and grandchildren all had a hand on his body -- legs, arms, hands and face -- and were repeating, 'We love you, we love you, don't forget to visit us !' and that is how he died. Each child, grandchild and friend got to have a photo with him". "Personally, I am very supportive of physician assisted suicide within the bounds of what is truly an act of compassion for the victim of the illness, and not a quick and easy way out for those not willing to walk the difficult road of illness".

Subjects: Euthanasia - Canada; Euthanasia - Belgium; Euthanasia - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Assisted suicide - Canada; Assisted suicide - Belgium; Assisted suicide - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Assisted suicide - Moral and ethical aspects