LEGISLATION

Life Options, helped state Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, write soonto-be-introduced legislation that would grant the option of physician-assisted suicide to mentally competent Ohioans who are diagnosed as within six months of death.

Schattinger’s stepfather wanted control over how, and when, his life ended. “He wanted a peaceful death. He knew the path in front of him was not possibly peaceful. He felt empowered to have the ability to have control,” said Schattinger, who moved back to Shaker Heights, Ohio, after her stepfather died.

“He took the time to meet with family and friends and tie up anything he needed to do in order to have peace at this death. I fully understand it’s not an option for everyone. I do believe, though, this gives people peace whether they choose to use it or not … for their end-of-life wishes.”

Downing a mixture of peach juice and the toxic prescribed drugs, “Grandpa Jack” died, peacefully, in about 11 minutes, she wrote on cleveland.com.

The “Death with Dignity” proposal outlined Tuesday by Tavares was quickly attacked by “pro-life” conservatives.

Michael Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life and a member of the State Medical Board of Ohio, responded: “Adding the phrase ‘Death with Dignity’ makes it no less suicide, and no less murder — although it makes it appear compassionate. Suicide is always as morally objectionable as murder. Of course, advances in pain management now make it possible to control pain appropriately in dying patients. I am sure her legislation will go nowhere in our pro-life legislature.”

Aaron Baer, president of Citizens for Community Values, tweeted: “Ohioans have too much compassion and too much respect for life to allow a dangerous and deadly bill like this to become law.”

Tavares said: “Ohioans should have the option because it’s about autonomy and control. It provides peace of mind for an individual who is terminally ill.

“Ohioans should have the option because it’s about autonomy and control. It provides peace of mind for an individual who is terminally ill. It respects the end- of- life wishes of the individual.”

—Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus

It respects the end-of-life wishes of the individual. The beauty of this legislation is that it does not force anybody to do anything, but is an option.”

While state law prohibited assisting suicide, it carried no criminal penalty until 2016, when lawmakers made it a third-degree felony punishable by a maximum of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. That law covers a doctor prescribing drugs that would end a life.

Tavares said her coming legislation was modeled after laws in the District of Columbia and four other states, including Oregon. The Oregon law has worked