(By Kathleen Parker / Syndicated Columnist) – It was inevitable that we would one day seek ways to kill ourselves with society’s blessing. California recently joined four other states – Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana – that allow terminally ill patients to commit suicide using doctor-prescribed drugs.

Criteria under the California law include that the patient has a terminal disease, would likely die within six months, and is of sound mind and can self-administer the "medicine." Thanks to medical advances that can extend life beyond what some find acceptable, resulting in unnecessary suffering, many think it’s their right to die with dignity using medications legally prescribed. CONTINUE