This is a very humane decision and it may, by coincidence, be coming at a very appropriate time. 

Most of us who are older have seen loved ones and others pass on, sometimes very cruelly and painfully either because they had dreadful diseases or, worse, they had no insurance and therefore no way to treat their disease. 

We are now learning that many of the benefits of badly needed health care reform may not become fully effective until 2014 due to the corrupted process of legislation and the foul influence of the health insurance and pharmaceutical industries in Washington, D.C. 

The Montana Supreme Court decision as least grants a degree of dignity, control and decency to a sad and painful process.  It is long overdue for those who need it and want it. 

Similar law has been on the books in Oregon for over a decade now, and there have been no known or reported abuses.  It’s somewhat sad that only Washington and Montana have adopted the same rules thus far, but it’s also something in which we can take pride, as Montana retains its well deserved reputation as a basically decent and still progressive western state that cares for its citizens and respects their choices.  Other states will follow.

This was a clear case of individual rights versus the religious zealots who want to impose their views on everyone else.  I’m proud of Montana for once again standing up for the rights of the individual. 

While I hope to never have to invoke this option, it’s nice to know that I have it just in case I need it someday…

The right to die to ease suffering is something I do support - despite those who would make it a platform for their own agendas.  As dsrobins said, it is the decent, humane thing to do, and it is indeed long overdue.