Dear President of the United States of America:

Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma multiform brain cancer, or in less scientific words a very bad brain tumor. After being diagnosed, Brittany later had surgery to stop the growth of the tumor. A few months later, it came back. The doctor’s treatment was full brain radiation. After her and her family spent months looking up information about her tumor, they reached the conclusion death was inevitable. So instead of going through the pain of full brain radiation, she moved to Oregon to legally kill herself. Some people call this dying with dignity. (story found on CNN)

Nadin Naumann’s mom was also diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma multiform brain cancer. She was given 16 months to live if she was lucky. She must have been really lucky because 21 months later she is still alive and fighting. Throughout the 21 months, Nadin’s mom had to go through two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation; but she also went to Paris, walked a 5k for brain cancer awareness, and celebrated birthdays and holidays. Nadin’s mom was also there to see her be accepted into law school. “Yes, there are painful moments. My mother has had days where she spent the whole day vomiting. This spring, she became wheelchair bound. I have less freedom in my life because my mom relies on me—but she’s still here. And that makes it completely worth it” - Nadin Naumann. (story found on Daily Signal)

Of these two people, I believe Nadin’s mom was braver. She did not let fear make her decisions and she was rewarded. I know many people thought Brittany was brave and taking charge of her life, but when I read her story, I could feel her fear. She was afraid of the pain that would come with the fight. Now, because America gave her the opportunity to act on those fears through euthanasia, she died before she could have had the chance to be cured.

Dear president, I am deeply concerned for this country. If we allow euthanasia to run rampant through our lands, it’s just one little step to killing the old and the young that are fighting a possibly fatal sickness without their approval. This is not our choice and it is not our right. Many people say that euthanasia is safely regulated, but allowing voluntary euthanasia can quickly lead to involuntary euthanasia. In the Netherlands in 1990 around 1,000 patients were killed without their request (care). Though this isn’t happening in the USA yet, it could very easily happen.

In Oregon, from 1998 to 2016, prescriptions had been written for 1,545 people, and 991 patients have died from taking a pill that will legally kill them (CNN). Why are so many people taking their lives? The main reasons for people committing euthanasia are the pain of surgery is greater than death, the person would rather die on their own terms, and fear that they will become a burden to their family. I believe that if we as a country were to communicate to those thinking about euthanasia that they aren’t a burden, that life is worth living, and that there are medications that will help with the pain of surgery, there wouldn’t be any people thinking about ending their life.

Being only 14 years old, I don’t have a voice loud enough to be heard over all the noise of other distractions, people, and concerns. However you, the President of the United States, you have a thundering voice that can influence the lives of millions across the country. All I ask is that you consider what I have brought to light, and maybe, just maybe, you can put an end to the death of our nation, euthanasia.

Respectfully yours,

Lexi