Mom deserved a peaceful death, not suffering

A RECENT OP-ED in the Journal accused medical-aid-in dying supporters of “devaluing life.” When my mother was dying of a wasting disease, I sat helplessly by as her face turned from beautiful to a hollowedout death mask. She asked for a peaceful death with her family that the law forbade.

When I hear of families in other states sharing sentiments, songs and prayers in a peaceful goodbye to a loved one, I can’t help but contrast their moment of love and honor to my mother’s suffering for weeks until unremitting cardiac stress led to her final arrhythmia. I mourn that she did not have the peaceful option.

Does my love for my mother and my wish that other sons and daughters be allowed to say a peaceful goodbye to their mother represent a devaluation of life? I hope the people of goodwill and common sense in our Legislature think otherwise. I hope they pass the Elizabeth Whitefield Death with Dignity Act and that the governor signs it into law. New Mexico families deserve no less. FRANK L. SPRING

Albuquerque