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Q&A on Legalization of Physician-Assisted Suicide in the U.S.
Clearly Caring Magazine, 2nd Quarter 2009, Vol. 29. No. 2QUESTION: Although I don’t live in Washington state, I’m concerned about the voter decision to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Are my concerns valid?
ANSWER: Most certainly you have reason to be concerned, regardless of where you live. After Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act took effect in 1997, many other states considered similar laws. Fortunately, the movement didn’t gain much of a foothold. Over the years many legislative battles were fought, but Oregon stood alone as the only state to offer lethal medications to its citizens.
That all changed on November 4, 2008, when voters in the state of Washington passed Initiative 1000. The result is that two states now permit legalized physician assisted suicide. Making things worse, it seems that Washington’s decision opened the flood gates on this issue. For example, a judge in Montana ruled that the state constitution allows for assisted suicide. Although this decision will be reviewed by the State Supreme Court, there is serious concern that Montana might become the third state to allow legalized assisted suicide. Now a number of state legislatures are considering similar bills. Apparently the perception is that a second state to approve assisted suicide is equivalent
to a green light for others to follow.
So, most certainly you should be alert to this movement, because the right-to-die leaders do not plan to stop their efforts in promoting this deadly cause. I encourage you to pray for your political leaders, contact them to express your opposition to assisted suicide and stay informed on any developments
that occur in your state legislature.
Article Shortcut: http://www.christianliferesources.com?8286
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