Give People Who Are Terminally Ill Control Over Their Own Death
Too many people spend their final days and weeks in pain. Often in a hospital, hooked up to tubes and beeping machines. And their loved ones stand by, unable to help ease that suffering.
Legislation before the Connecticut Assembly would give adult patients who are terminally ill the right to ask their doctor for a prescription they can take themselves. It’s a medical practice called aid in dying that lets the patient choose when and whether to end their own suffering and bring about a peaceful death.
The bill includes vital safeguards:
- A doctor (in some circumstances, two) must confirm the patient is terminally ill and mentally competent.
- The patient must request the medication in writing with two non-heirs as witnesses.
- Prescribing physicians would be immune from prosecution.
- No doctor or healthcare provider would be required to participate.
Passage of this bill would make Connecticut the fifth state in which aid in dying is legal, after Oregon, Washington, Montana and Vermont. Similar legislation is under consideration in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Our representatives need to hear from you! Tell them you want this law because you want this right for yourself, for your parents, for the people you love. Please sign the letter and urge Connecticut legislators to support the Compassionate Aid-in-Dying bill.
Dear [Connecticut Lawmaker],
No one should have to suffer at the end of life. Many dying patients suffer, even with the best care and pain management. I urge you to support the Compassionate Aid-in-Dying bill.
This sound legislation would give terminally ill, mentally competent Connecticut residents the right to administer medication to end their suffering and bring about a peaceful death.
Passage would make Connecticut the nation's fifth state to legalize aid in dying. Since Oregon passed a similar law in 1997, no cases of abuse have been reported. In fact, many who request the medication never even fill the prescription but benefit from the peace of mind of knowing that they have a measure of control over their final days.
[Your comments here]
Please support the Compassionate Aid-in-Dying bill today.
Thank you,
[Your name here]
