Letters to the Editor | Sept. 27, 2022

Thanks to the Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation for spotlighting transportation problems as a barrier to community college student persistence. My graduate work found that while students successfully used their networks to reach campus when their primary transportation failed, they were less resilient in finding alternative ways to advising and tutoring sessions or extracurricular activities. Studies show this “belonging” is important because if students don’t — or can’t — partake in this enrichment, then many will leave.

Poor students, students with special needs, and students of color often rely on transit to attend class. It’s frustrating that some local campuses are still inaccessible. Delaware County Community College administrators might find that “transportation has not been raised by students as a problem” because “financial issues” is a survey catchall that includes transportation. They should have spoken with SEPTA, Uber/Lyft, or their transportation management association to identify solutions.

Anthony Johnson, Montgomery County Community College, adjunct human services instructor, Wilkes-Barre

I am grateful every time The Inquirer publishes an article about having input regarding one’s death. “A Good Death” by Alison McCook makes a perfect case for legalizing a dying patient’s desperate need and wish for the agony and hell to be minimized. As we baby boomers age, that voice will become louder. A travel agent for one-way trips to Oregon could make a fortune, as well as be a godsend. After watching a hellish death, “choice” becomes the only logical option. How many of us fear the possible lack of choice.

Claire Seide, Downingtown

My heart grieves for the tragedy that Alison McCook and her mother endured. Yet there are still significant dangers in the practice of physician-assisted suicide, also known as medical aid in dying. The required prognosis of six months can frequently underestimate the time many patients have left. Aid in dying can rob patients and loved ones of potentially meaningful time together. Trust in doctors and insurance companies by patients will erode as the practice becomes more commonplace, especially among the elderly and disabled. While many downplay the “slippery slope,” many locations where this is legal show significant upward trends in the number of deaths facilitated. Depression and anxiety frequently contribute to patient decisions to pursue aid in dying but are not adequately evaluated or given enough time to improve. Pain can be effectively treated, usually in a way that preserves a patient’s cognition. We must walk with patients in their dying, instead of leading them to it.

Eric Hussar, Pennsylvania director, American Academy of Medical Ethics, Lancaster, AAMEPA@ethicalhealthcare.org

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