Doctor-Prescribed Suicide in America in 2013

Doctor-prescribed suicide, also know as assisted suicide, suffered a huge blow when residents of Massachusetts defeated a measure to legalize in that state by a 51-49% margin on November 6. Undaunted, pro-euthanasia forces, led by Compassion and Choices(C & C), are moving into numbers of states with renewed, vigorous efforts to find more states like Oregon and Washington where this deadly act can become legal.

Vermont: Vermont is always on the bubble with legislation to legalize introduced in every legislative session. The day after the November 6 defeat in Massachusetts, Patient Choices at End of Life — Vermont announced in a letter to supporters that it “will achieve our goal of getting the Death with Dignity bill enacted in Vermont.” Vermont’s Governor has already placed this bill high on his list of priorities.

Connecticut: A bill to legalize will be introduced early in 2013, but it is not known how strongly it will be pushed.

Hawaii: Hawaii faces legislation to legalize every two years and 2013 will be no exception. While publicly arguing that doctor-prescribed suicide is already legal in Hawaii, C & C will push for a law to be enacted.

New Jersey: New Jersey could face legislation and/or a ballot measure to legalize.

New Mexico: A court case asking this state to legalize is pending.

Massachusetts: Defeated at the ballot and stymied in the legislature, C & C may try to legalize through the courts.

Montana: A 2009 Montana Supreme Court decision has left the situation here murky, with C & C claiming doctor-prescribed suicide is now legal, and opponents voicing strong disagreement. There may be legislation introduced in 2013 both to legalize and to prohibit.

Wisconsin Right to Life will continue its work with a diverse coalition to defeat these measures wherever they arise.

Barbara Lyons