Letter: Euthanasia law is enlightened

Tuesday, May 1, 2001 | 9:10 a.m.

Regarding the San Francisco Chronicle's editorial on euthanasia, which was reprinted in the April 24 Sun:

I fail to see how the Dutch euthanasia law cheapens life. In reality human life on our planet is about as cheap as it gets. Human beings are not an endangered species. Deaths in wars, 24,000 children starving to death each day, millions dying of AIDS, ho hum. What else is new? And it's not like any of our poor incurably sick, elderly, disabled, mentally ill or imperfect infants are getting any tender-loving care that would make them want to cling to life. It's not like our rich society gives them anything to live for.

The argument against assisted-suicide is advanced by a religious minority who believe that a just, loving god should decide the moment of death. They seek to impose this belief on others even if they are not of their religion or beliefs. I salute the Dutch and Belgians who have advanced beyond these ancient superstitions and realize that this again is a freedom granted the human spirit. Whose life is it anyway?

SHIRLEY BRAVERMAN