Knapp says the agencies want to open the door to the promise of the new technology, but only if it doesn't jeopardize peoples' lives.

That means lives (not just those of the spouses, but also those of children in custodial limbo) are put on hold.

There is clearly a growing demand in this country for a well regulated, legal right for people with terminal illness, who are mentally competent, to end their life if they choose to.