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| Photo courtesy of KateMcP's |
Gloria Taylor’s suffering with ALS ended in October, and for her 85 year-old mother the pain is still fresh. “It is cruel, to make them suffer even more in dying,” said Anne Fomenoff as she fought back tears at the BC Civil Liberties press conference in support of doctor assisted suicide.
Taylor was given an exemption by the Supreme Court, which allowed her to ask a doctor to help her end her life, but euthanasia remains illegal. The BCCLA is in court to try and change the law. The family of Taylor appeared at a press conference Sunday to support the advocacy group’s lawsuit.
“My daughter believed, as do I, that people should be able to make choices as to how much suffering they can endure,” said Fomenoff.
Fromenoff, who has worked in hospice care most of her adult life, said that the worst day of her life was when her daughter called to tell her of her ALS diagnosis.
“It was horrendous,” she said.
ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that progressively shuts down the body to the point the person cannot breathe and dies of respiratory failure.
Taylor ultimately did not exercise her right to choose medical intervention to end her life. She died at home on Oct.4, 2011 of an infection, but her mother says knowing she could choose to end her own life helped Taylor live her final days without fear of further suffering.
“She was the voice for the rights of the seriously ill. We are continuing the struggle for compassion in Gloria’s name.” said Fomenoff.
The BC Court of Appeal will hear arguments in the case until March 8.
For information on those who oppose euthanasia, see the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
What is your opinion on this issue Burnaby residents? I would love your feedback.
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