If we as a country believe that people have personal autonomy over their own bodies, we should also recognize that it is everyone's independent choice as to when their life should end.

PETA's statistics are also often used, as they are being used now, in a truly perverted way by some "no-kill" evangelists to try to turn people away from the "evil" of what is actually a dignified, merciful release from suffering.

One of the year's more depressing rituals is the annual release of PETA's kill statistics. The numbers -- just how many pets Ingrid Newkirk's organization has "euthanized" in the past year -- are never anything less than revolting. They are also never a surprise.

The states have the power to allow and regulate assisted suicide or to prohibit it, and with enough pressure from critical thinkers we will someday have the freedom to end our lives with dignity. If enough critical thinkers band together, someday we'll be able to live and die on our own terms.

The medical establishment's support for patient choice exists within a particular, and peculiar, bioethical framework.A problem arises for palliative care physicians when people question their intention.