I respect that there are sometimes good reasons to support assisted suicide but do fear that an expansion of it to include other circumstances is imminent. The immediate thing that comes to mind is the Terry Schiavo incident which was a total travesty in that the whole death process of starving her was enacted for the convenience of others. If a bill is not explicit to include only those who can speak for themselves (sans living wills) and can be infringed upon by outside sources, then I would probably be very hesitant to approve of the measure. If a bill were to be introduced which was worded to prevent any expansion bills or riders in perpetuity, I and others would be more apt to approve of legislation that would legally enable those with terminal illnesses to end their painful existence with whatever assistance is deemed necessary. All that said, I do reiterate my position that legal or not, if there is no other cures and I wished for an end, I know how to take care of it myself. There are just some things that I do not need an approval from a legalistic view to do.
Yeah, @Bobby Cole, much of the current disregard for human life stems from needing to get rid of a nuisance, be it a baby or an old person or a sick individual. "Assisted Dying" will eventually be expanded into euthanasia. It will start as "relieving the suffering" and expand to "they can't live on their own anymore" then on to "they make no contribution to society". I don't know how health insurance and life insurance will deal with the conflicts.
As far as Assisted Suicide, I definitely support it. (The key word being "suicide.") If I am too sick and physically debilitated I would like the choice of being able to end it all and slip quietly away. The thought of spending my final days in horrible pain and suffering does not appeal to me in the least.