After what’s described here as an emotional debate, the Massachusetts Medical Society voted last month to survey its 25,000 members about attitudes toward “medical aid in dying.” The society has long opposed assisted suicide — e.g., in 2012, it joined the Catholic Church and disability groups in lobbying against a state “death with dignity” ballot initiative. This report notes that California Medical Association dropped its opposition in 2015 (before legalization), as did the Colorado Medical Society this year — a move a spokesperson for the advocacy group Compassion & Choices says played a major role in the passage of the state’s ballot initiative in November. Lead Article at Boston Globe
Doctors confused by right to die
+ Six states legally allow assisted suicide — Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana, California, and Colorado — and Washington, D.C. may soon follow (background). Legalization efforts also exist elsewhere: Lawmakers are considering a bill in New Jersey (background), many expect a bill in Maryland (background) and an activist hopes to get it on the 2018 ballot in South Dakota (background). (Washington Post, NorthJersey.com, Catholic Review, Argus Leader)
+ In Massachusetts, the survey also comes at a time when one of the society’s own members, now terminally ill, is suing for a constitutional right (background). (Boston Globe)