DonInKansas: your experience is valid and it shows why people feel a need for such legislation. My point is not in opposition to yours, but to say with adequate care, such laws should be unnecessary. But where these laws exist, with that appropriate care, rarely used.  I am also in agreement with JoanK that these are personal decisions best left to the individual and medical team. My hope would be that there are other viable options discussed and utilized long before this option becomes necessary.  We have come a long way in the treatment of pain and elimination of suffering prior to death. Sadly, it is inconsistently offered to those who need it most.  My hope would be that there be universal consistency in assuring every person is offered pain relief to eliminate suffering and be treated with respect and dignity.  The principle of double-effect (Catholic moral theology) allows for someone to be given enough pain relief, even if the unintended consequence is a hastening of death.