In the two weeks from October 7 to October 20, 2019:
- Lawmakers in Wisconsin introduced a death with dignity bill;
- The case of a Colorado physician who was fired after suing her employer for barring doctors from helping patients access the state’s death with dignity law continued to make headlines.
Colorado
Barbara Morris, MD, alleges retaliation on behalf Centura Health for firing her after she filed a lawsuit stating the Christian health system’s policy of preventing physicians from helping their patients access the End of Life Options Act violated the law.
- “Doctor Alleges Retaliation in Her Firing Over Medical Aid in Dying Assistance,” Colorado Public Radio via Associated Press, 10/9/2019
- “Centura physician fired after filing aid-in-dying suit,” Becker’s Hospital Review, 10/11/2019
- “Centura needs to keep its religion out of the examining room,” Sentinel Colorado, 10/15/2019
Massachusetts
We are working with lawmakers and grassroots advocates in Massachusetts to push for passage of the End of Life Options Act. After testifying at a June hearing on the bill, we returned to the Bay State last month to meet with legislators and advocates, including our friends at Western Massachusetts Death with Dignity. As awareness of the bill continues to grow, more citizens, including the authors of the below two letters to the editors, are raising their voices in support.
- “Letter: End of Life Options Act deserves support,” Worcester Telegram, 10/8/2019
- “Letter: Clarifying points on legalization of medical aid in dying,” Worcester Telegram, 10/17/2019
Nevada
Hanna Olivas of Nevada is a 45-year-old mother of 4 dying of a rare blood cancer. Earlier this month, she stepped forward to share her story publicly to build support for passage of an assisted dying law in her state.
- “Mom of 4 with incurable cancer becomes advocate for right-to-die movement,” People.com, 10/11/2019
- “Mom with incurable cancer crosses NYC off her bucket list,” New York Post, 10/14/2019
- “Terminally ill mom fights to make doctor-assisted death legal in Nevada,” Today.com, 10/15/2019
Wisconsin
On October 18, 2019, Wisconsin lawmakers introduced a death with dignity bill. This is the eleventh time legislators have considered a bill in the Badger State. In recent weeks, citizens and lawmakers alike have spoken out in support of the End of Life Options Act.
- “Assisted suicide won’t end good care — Roger Brooks,” Wisconsin State Journal, 10/7/2019
- “Jim and Sandy Dougherty: We support the End of Life Options Act,” Cap Times, 10/8/2019
- “Sen. Fred Risser: Terminally ill adults deserve the right to end their lives on their own terms,” Madison.com, 10/10/2019
Elsewhere Around the U.S.:
- Illinois: “Interest in ‘medical-aid-in-dying’ law rising in Illinois,” State Journal Register, 10/12/2019
- New Jersey: “N.J. woman used new law to end her life. ‘I’m ready, let’s do it.’,” Star Ledger, 10/18/2019
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