While a chosen death may be an unthinkable decision for many people, those who suffer from severe, and oftentimes terminal illnesses, sometimes make this choice in trust with their doctor when their quality of life is no longer sustainable or enjoyable. Though for some, choosing a physician-assisted death is not yet an option in their state, making this process more challenging.
Currently, there are conversations going on across the country between state lawmakers who are debating passing bills that would legalize physician-assisted death, which has been pushed by those who are terminally sick calling on their local governments to take action.
At least 12 states now have bills drafted that would legalize physician-assisted death.
Eight states and Washington D.C. already allow the procedure, but this only pertains to their own residents. Whereas Vermont and Oregon permit any qualifying American to to travel to their state for the practice.
Meanwhile, two southern states are going in the opposite direction with legislation. Kansas has drafted a bill to further criminalize those who aid someone with their physician-assisted death, while West Virginia is asking voters to solidify its current ban of the procedure in the state constitution.
Despite it being illegal in most states, a 2018 Gallup poll showed more than two-thirds of Americans support physician-assisted death.
Yet, many religious groups and more conservative lawmakers have moral objections with the concept of this consensually fatal practice. Even with protective guidelines in place, they argue the decision could still be made for the wrong reasons such as mental illness or pressure from family burdened by their caretaking.
However, two national organizations lobbying for the bills to pass physician-assisted death argue its about giving the sick autonomy and having empathy for what is already likely to be a very painful choice.
“It comes down to the right of an individual to control their own end of life decisions free from government intervention or religious interference,” said Geoff Sugerman, a national campaign strategist for Death with Dignity.
Only a small portion of Americans in the country, about 8,700, have used physician-assisted death since Oregon became the first state to legalize it in 1997, according to the advocacy group Compassion & Choices. They are typically cancer cases, while others include heart and respiratory diseases.
The current federal requirements for a legal physician-assisted death is be at least 18-years-old, within six months of death, and an assessment to ensure they are capable of making an informed decision.
