“Medical Aid in Dying Goes Down a Dangerous Path” in Thursday’s edition of the Olean Times Herald has it all wrong. The Medical Aid in Dying Act is only for people who are dying. They may make a request for a prescription of drugs when their suffering becomes unbearable.

Not one more person will die, as these are patients close to death.

Reprehensively, Susan Thomas seems not to care about these suffering, dying patients by asserting, without compassion, that they should “reconcile oneself to … the inevitability of suffering.” Her values are inconsistent with the values of those of us who believe that while life is precious and we are willing to endure some suffering, we should not have to endure excruciating suffering at the end of our lives.

Let people decide for themselves when there is too much suffering.

And, very importantly, the laws that authorize medical aid in dying conclusively show that this is a safe, effective and ethical medical option that benefits patients and causes no harm to anyone. That is why some 72% of New Yorkers support it as do the Medical Society of the State of New York and the New York state Nurses Association, Bar Association and Council of Churches.

Medical aid in dying is about freedom of choice and bodily autonomy. Let patients choose the nature and timing of their deaths, based on their values.

David Leven of Pelham is executive director emeritus and senior consultant of End of Life Choices New York.