Stirring Debate Over Assisted Suicide

Stirring debate over assisted suicide - Faye Girsh, Apr. 4, 2010.

One woman’s speech in Grand Junction is contradicting many religious viewpoints.  A group called Final Exit works to aid terminally ill people who want to end their time on earth through assisted-suicide.  Dr. Faye Girsh, a psychologist, has been involved in the Right to Die Movement for over twenty years. 

“People with a terminal or very serious illness should get medical help to die if that’s what they choose,” explained Girsh.

Girsh believes people suffering from a fatal or irreversible illness have a basic human right to end their lives, “People should be able to die with their loved ones present, gently, peacefully, and quickly if that’s their choice.”

Currently only three of our fifty states, including Oregon, Montana, and Washington have laws allowing physician-assisted suicides. 

“We would like to see every state have an option so that medical assistance can be provided,” said Girsh.

But with the majority of states banning assisted-suicide, Girsh says the alternative is that elderly ill adults may still take matters into their own hands. 

“They commit suicide, die violently, mostly by guns, and they die alone,” said Girsh.

But certain religions stand against these views.  Jean Cyr, a Christian, says it’s not a decision humans should make. 

“We thoroughly believe that when it’s their time that God will take them and it’s His decision and it’s all in His hands,” said Cyr.

While others support Girsh sitting personal choice, “I don’t like people to suffer and I do believe that God will take them when He’s supposed to, but I do believe they need to have that choice,” said Chet Nash. 

In 2004 Girsh headed the Final Exit Network, a group offering support for terminally ill people who wish to die.  While they do not encourage anyone to end their life, and don’t provide the means to do so, they do provide counseling.  “Support and we are there when the person chooses to hasten their death,” said Girsh.

Dr. Girsh spoke at the Unitarian Church on Grand Avenue on Sunday, explaining ways to make the end easier for patients and family members.  For more information visit their website at http://finalexitnetwork.org.

By Kristin Haubrich, KREXTV.com