Dr. Wiebe's observations confirm my own intuition around allowing assisted death for those with mental illnesses. Having the option may reduce the despair that some mental afflictions bring. The patient knows she's no longer trapped in an endless cycle of intolerable suffering. There is a lawful, medically-approved way out if she wants it. Having the option may actually fortify the patient's will to carry on.

Endless, intolerable suffering is not an acceptable fate for any human being. That's the conclusion the Supreme Court came to in the Carter decision. It matters not what manner of affliction causes the suffering, it's the fact that the suffering is intolerable and untreatable that informs the right to an assisted death. Giving those who will soon die anyway an easier way out shows little humanity. Relieving the suffering of those who would otherwise spend many years in torture is the truly humanitarian act.