End of Life Act a ‘Comfort’ when pain becomes unbearable

Since Retired U.S. Army sergeant Matt Fairchild was diagnosed with stage-two melanoma several years ago, cancer has continued to spread through his lymph nodes, bones and brain. Each day, he lives with physical pain and the knowledge that his illness is terminal. As of June 9, the End of Life Option Act offers Californians like Fairchild the option of seeking medical help ending their own lives. “You’re still taking a life before it’s time, but I know those in great pain on their deathbed may think otherwise. You don’t want people to suffer.” Read the story by youth media reporter Ben Novotny at VoiceWaves Long Beach.