Forget emotional appeal, let’s have rational debate

A YouTube video issued by the family of the late Dr. Donald Low, in which the doctor argued passionately for a law that would allow assisted suicide in Canada for the terminally ill, has re-ignited the public debate about euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Low, who died Sept. 18, was probably best known as a friendly, authoritative and calming influence during Toronto’s SARS medical crisis a decade ago.

Echoing the concerns of many people with terminal illnesses, Low said he wasn’t afraid to die, but feared a protracted and painful death. In the end, although he was paralyzed and unable to speak, hear or see, he died without pain and in the arms of his wife, Maureen Taylor.