Massachusetts Will Vote November 6 on Legalizing Doctor-Prescribed Suicide

On November 6, 2012, Massachusetts residents will vote on a ballot question which seeks to legalize doctor-prescribed suicide (also known as assisted suicide) in that state. This ominous measure has profound implications since Massachusetts is well known as one of America’s most important medical centers. Legalization would have a domino effect, spreading quickly to other northeastern states and eventually inward.

Doctor-prescribed suicide is currently legal in the states of Oregon and Washington. While the number of people who avail themselves of suicide drugs is not high, reporting of suicide deaths is not trusted and there have been significant abuses of the system.

Negative impact of doctor-prescribed suicide in other states:

• In Oregon, two patients under the Oregon Health Plan requested payment for chemotherapy treatments for a recurring cancer. Both were refused and received a letter stating that Oregon would pay for their suicide drugs instead, even though the patients never requested them. The decision was very calculated monetarily, balancing thousands of dollars for chemotherapy treatments against a few hundred dollars for lethal drugs.

• Patients have been coerced by family members to request and take suicide drugs.

• Sometimes the lethal drugs do not work, leaving the patient with complications.

• Even though some patients have treatable depression, psychological evaluations are not made prior to prescribing lethal drugs.

• Suicides have increased in Oregon, even without counting deaths from doctor-prescribed suicide.

Who is opposing the ballot question?

A coalition of organizations formed to oppose the ballot question includes Second Thoughts (a disability rights group), the Massachusetts Alliance Against Doctor-Prescribed Suicide, the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Committee Against Physician Assisted Suicide, Massachusetts Citizens for Life and the Massachusetts Catholic Conference.

This is the most important issue that needs success after the elections for individuals for federal and state public office. Success in defeating the Massachusetts measure will ensure that Wisconsin does not become vulnerable in the future.

Barbara Lyons