Letter to the Editor Courrier des lecteurs “Mental health and veterinary suicides” — A comment References
Dear editor, The December 2014 (Can Vet J 2014;55:1123–1126) editorial is nicely reasoned with respect to its intent and its direction apropos for those who might be afflicted by the vicissitudes of life. However, as with most such treatments of the subject, it foregoes meaningful discussion of the positive aspects of suicide (or euthanasia) as a considered and appropriate end-of-life decision. Recently, a suicide note — “Goodbye & Good Luck!” — was published by Gillian Bennett (1) and explored in the Canadian media, in one instance under the headline “A suicide note that should be read by everyone.” (2). Before that, microbiologist Dr. Donald Low videotaped an impassioned plea for the right to choose when to die and “accused Canada of not having the maturity to take on one of the most emotionally charged issues in medicine.” (3). Even the president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Chris Simpson, notes that there are “examples of things where we would all agree if we were in that situation we would be looking for potentially other solutions.” (3). Suicide should not be denounced across the board but viewed considerately and appropriately in its various situational guises.
1. Bennett G. Goodbye & Good Luck! Available from: at http://deadatnoon. com Last accessed December 17, 2014. 2. Mason G. A suicide note that should be read by everyone. The Globe and Mail, August 22, 2014. Available from: http://www.theglobeand mail.com/globe-debate/a-suicide-note-that-should-be-read-by-everyone/ article20161330/ Last accessed December 17, 2014. 3. Kirkey S. Euthanasia appropriate only ‘after all other reasonable options are exhausted’: New CMA head. National Post, August 27, 2014. Available from: http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/27/euthanasiaappropriate-only-after-all-other-reasonable-options-are-exhausted-newcma-head/ Last accessed December 17, 2014.
John B. Delack, PhD, DVM 1515 Laura Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 2R8
Constructive and professional comments made in the spirit of intellectual debate are welcomed by the Editor. Writers are expected to be respectful of others and to ensure that letters are considerate and courteous. The Editor reserves the right to remove comments deemed to be inflammatory or disrespectful.
CVJ / VOL 56 / FEBRUARY 2015
113
Dear editor, The December 2014 (Can Vet J 2014;55:1123–1126) editorial is nicely reasoned with respect to its intent and its direction apropos for those who might be afflicted by the vicissitudes of life. However, as with most such treatments of the subject, it foregoes meaningful discussion of the positive aspects of suicide (or euthanasia) as a considered and appropriate end-of-life decision. Recently, a suicide note — “Goodbye & Good Luck!” — was published by Gillian Bennett (1) and explored in the Canadian media, in one instance under the headline “A suicide note that should be read by everyone.” (2). Before that, microbiologist Dr. Donald Low videotaped an impassioned plea for the right to choose when to die and “accused Canada of not having the maturity to take on one of the most emotionally charged issues in medicine.” (3). Even the president of the Canadian Medical Association, Dr. Chris Simpson, notes that there are “examples of things where we would all agree if we were in that situation we would be looking for potentially other solutions.” (3). Suicide should not be denounced across the board but viewed considerately and appropriately in its various situational guises.
1. Bennett G. Goodbye & Good Luck! Available from: at http://deadatnoon. com Last accessed December 17, 2014. 2. Mason G. A suicide note that should be read by everyone. The Globe and Mail, August 22, 2014. Available from: http://www.theglobeand mail.com/globe-debate/a-suicide-note-that-should-be-read-by-everyone/ article20161330/ Last accessed December 17, 2014. 3. Kirkey S. Euthanasia appropriate only ‘after all other reasonable options are exhausted’: New CMA head. National Post, August 27, 2014. Available from: http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/27/euthanasiaappropriate-only-after-all-other-reasonable-options-are-exhausted-newcma-head/ Last accessed December 17, 2014.
John B. Delack, PhD, DVM 1515 Laura Avenue Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 2R8
Constructive and professional comments made in the spirit of intellectual debate are welcomed by the Editor. Writers are expected to be respectful of others and to ensure that letters are considerate and courteous. The Editor reserves the right to remove comments deemed to be inflammatory or disrespectful.
CVJ / VOL 56 / FEBRUARY 2015
113
