Say NO to Physician Assisted Suicide in Massachusetts

Say NO to Physician-Assisted Suicide in Massachusetts

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD NOW!

The Massachusetts State Legislature is again considering passing into law two deeply troubling bills this session which would legalize Physician Assisted Suicide. The bills, House 2246 and Senate 1331, 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.”

Here are some troubling facts to consider before you act:

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- The 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 is physically disabled, 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 to Physician Assisted Suicide! Log on to www.macatholic.org and follow the links to find contact information for:

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

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

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