Bill would allow doctor-aided deaths
A bill that would allow terminally ill people to take their own lives under the supervision of a doctor was presented to an Ohio Senate Committee on Tuesday.
Its sponsor, Sen. Charleta B. Tavares, D-Columbus, was adamant, however, that it should not be called a “physician-assistedsuicide” bill.
“Referring to physician aid in dying as ‘physician-assisted suicide’ is inaccurate, inappropriate and disrespectful,” she said, explaining that her bill takes steps to ensure that people taking their own lives are not doing so because they’re mentally ill or being coerced.
“Unlike most cases of suicide, the person receiving physicianaid-in-dying does not typically die alone and in despair, but most frequently, where they wish, at home with the comfort of his or her family,” Tavares said. “As someone who has both been a lifelong advocate for suicide prevention and has seen the effects of suicide within my own family, I strongly urge the members of this committee to remember that fact.”
Seven states and the District of Columbia already have what advocates call a “death with dignity” law. Ohio is among 24 states where the proposal is under consideration.
The legislation, Senate Bill 249, imposes several conditions on those who would take their lives under a doctor’s care. It says patients:
• Must be diagnosed with a terminal condition.
• Make two oral requests to end their lives and one written request, dated and signed in the presence of two adults to whom they’re not related.
• Be informed by their doctors of all available treatment options.
Tavares cited statistics indicating that most of those who belong to communities of faith support allowing doctors to help people with terminal illnesses take their own lives. But some of Ohio’s abortion foes have spoken out against it.
“Adding the phrase ‘death with dignity’ makes it no less suicide, and no less murder — although it makes it appear compassionate,” Michael Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life and a member of the State Medical Board of Ohio, told The Dispatch in January.
“Suicide is always as morally objectionable as murder. Of course, advances in pain management now make it possible to control pain appropriately in dying patients. I am sure her legislation will go nowhere in our pro-life legislature.”
Tavares assured senators that the bill wouldn’t make people do things they don’t agree with, saying, “this bill does not and will not force any physician, pharmacist or patient to engage in a practice that may conflict with his or her religious and/or moral beliefs.”
It’s unclear whether Tavares’ bill would get the support of the Republican-controlled Senate Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committee. After she finished testifying in support of it, none of the members asked any questions.