The Boston Globe: Opinion: Mass. should enact End of Life Options Act
Aug 13, 2020 Massachusetts End of Life Options Act
An excerpt from the Boston Globe op-ed, “Mass. should enact End of Life Options Act,” by Lexington resident Michael Martignetti, published August 13, 2020:
Thirty years ago, I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, an incurable neuromuscular, and often life-shortening, disease, which will eventually incapacitate me. Since 1990, I have lost the ability to walk and I now use a wheelchair. Friedreich’s ataxia causes various forms of heart disease, including heart enlargement and cardiac failure.
As a result, the end of my life could involve great suffering. It’s why I have supported the bipartisan Massachusetts End of Life Options Act since it was originally introduced, in 2011. It would give me the option to peacefully end my suffering if it becomes intolerable as I near death...
If this bill becomes law and my condition becomes terminal, I don’t know if I would use this end-of-life care option. But I do know that I want the right to make that decision...
