I am writing in response to Susie Mosher’s guest column “Disability activists also oppose aid in dying,” [Gazette, Dec. 9]. The column stated that the Oct. 23 Gazette article “Bill seeks to give terminally ill options” gave a slanted report by not including disability rights activists, an opposed group. As a person with a significant disability, quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down, power wheelchair user, active in the community and a disability activist in my own right, I feel compelled to respond.

I believe that some disability activists are fearful that this bill will result in a dramatic increase in the disabled being coerced to end their lives by health care professionals, family or themselves, and that older people who become disabled also will be coerced or feel the need to end their lives.

Clearly, the End of Life Options Act has the strictest precautions and standards for eligibility that will have no impact in coercing physically and mentally ill people to end their lives. The bill has clear provisions to safeguard persons with disabilities from exploitation or coercion.

It is important to note in polls taken, over 70% of voters who identify as Catholics, Protestants or disabled support this bill and option when terminally ill. And 75% of another poll of 1,000 persons with disabilities also do.

It is also important to note that most persons with disabilities are not disability activists who oppose aid in dying, including me, who actively lives and advocates for accessibility, health care access and reform, and policy changes to enable the disabled to live more independent lives.

I agree with Mosher regarding disabled people receiving inadequate resources in independent living and nursing homes. Lack of personal care assistance, inadequately trained medical professionals working with disabled individuals, lack of housing, transportation, employment, etc. are certainly daily struggles of many persons with significant disabilities. And these issues and others do place a strain on one’s dignity.

The End of Life Options Act will enable persons with and without disabilities who are diagnosed with terminal illness with life expectancy of six months or less to make their own choice in their final days. Taking a medication you must administer yourself to end the pain, suffering when only death is in sight, is certainly more peaceful and dignified in comparison to being hooked up to machines, on constant heavy duty pain meds, having no control, often alone or one’s final days or months in a hospital.

I have always supported more compassionate care to dying. It is a merciful choice, not a premature death. I have always said as an animal lover, we don’t want or allow our beloved animals to suffer in their final days. Yet our beloved family members do not have this option.

Cynthia Chamberland lives in Easthampton.