In the two weeks from November 4 to November 17, 2019:
- Death with Dignity National Center and assisted dying advocates around the country commemorated the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act
- A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s “religious conscience rule”
The Oregon Death with Dignity Act turned 25 on November 8, 2019. Death with Dignity National Center’s Board and staff gathered along with longtime supporters to celebrate the milestone. We were joined by Oregon’s senior U.S. Senator, Ron Wyden, and former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, MD, both of whom have been steadfast supporters and defenders of Oregon’s law for more than two decades. KGW broadcast this story about the anniversary event.
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Meanwhile, in federal court, a judge dealt the Trump administration a significant setback on November 6 by invalidating its so-called “religious conscience rule.” Per Modern Healthcare:
“U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer in Manhattan ruled that [the Department of Health and Human Services], which finalized the rule in May, lacked statutory authority to issue the rule and that it violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
The rule would have cut off federal funding to any healthcare organization that did not allow its staffers to opt out of services that are contrary to their religious beliefs or moral convictions, including physician aid in dying. It also would have broadened and strengthened various federal conscience protection laws.”
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Around the U.S.
Delaware: “Inhumane bill poses threat to end-of-life care,” CapeGazette.com, 11/12/2019
Illinois: “Evanston activists hope to introduce medical aid in dying resolution,” The Daily Northwestern, 11/7/2019
Massachusetts: “Urge your legislator to support ‘End of Life Options Act’ (Letters),” MassLive.com, 11/4/2019
Nevada:“Woman with terminal cancer fights for Nevada “Right to die” law,”FOX5 Vegas, 11/16/2019
Ohio: “Ohio nurses group wants legislation on medical aid in dying,” Cincinnati.com, 11/10/2019
Oregon: “25 years ago, voters passed Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act,”KGW, 11/8/2019
2 Comments.
Betty Leininger
I am a Retired RN and worked with Hospice for 2 years. I am very comfortable with End of Life Issues,. having worked with the elderly and chronic illnesses for 35 years. I want the right to make my own decision when my functional life is over. Hopefully that doesn t mean moving to Oregon or Washington state. I live in Illinois. I am 78 years old.
Maryann
I believe it is the right of every person who is definitely a candidate to die with dignity..
To put yourself and or loved ones in a position where the individual has no choice is unreasonable and heartbreaking for the individual as well as caretaker
Maryann
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