MA Bishops Issue Statement on Ballot Initiatives to Allow Physician-Assisted Suicide

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

                           Say 'NO' to Physician-Assisted Suicide
 

The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering passing into law two deeply troubling bills this session which would legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide. The bills, House 2381 and Senate 1384, are identical in text and titled “An Act relative to end-of-life options”.

“The Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts stand united in our strong opposition to Physician-Assisted Suicide. It is an affront to life and a dangerous precedent for determining end-of-life issues. Physicians are trained to care for the ill, not to hasten death.”[1]

Here are some facts to consider before you take action:

1. The bills would allow a physician to provide a deadly drug mixture to an individual diagnosed with less than 6 months to live that, when consumed, would cause death. NOTE- That diagnosis could be wrong. Countless individuals have outlived that 6-month diagnosis and enjoyed many more precious months and years with family and friends.

2. No Real Safeguards - A vulnerable individual (who could be depressed or fears being a “burden”) may be subject to undue influence by others to take the drug mixture, especially if there is a financial benefit as an incentive.

3. The primary focus of elected officials should be dedicated to legislation providing quality health care, mental health care, and palliative care to the sick and dying – particularly in the underserved, poor, and minority communities that suffer the most at the time of need.

How can your voice be heard?

Call or email your legislators, let them know you are a Massachusetts voter, and say NO Physician-Assisted Suicide! Log on to www.macatholic.org and follow the links to find contact information for:

• Your individual State Senator and Representative via address and zip code link.

• Members of the legislative Joint Committee on Public Health who will be considering these bills.

For individuals without internet access, please call the Massachusetts Catholic Conference at     617-746-5630 for legislative contact information.