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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

AZ Lawmakers Pressed to Allow Medical Aid in Dying

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Wednesday, March 9, 2022   

The Arizona Legislature is considering a bill which would allow medical aid in dying in the state.

House Bill 2762 would allow mentally sound, terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to obtain a prescription to gently end their suffering if decide they want to use it.

Michael Cavaiola, communications director for Compassion & Choices in Phoenix, explained public support for the measure is strong.

"Consistently, a large majority of voters support medical aid in dying," Cavaiola reported. "They expect their elected representatives to reflect that desire. And they want their representatives to at least give these bills a hearing, at least allow public discussion."

Opponents of medical aid in dying cite religious objections and, among physician groups, some ethical concerns. However, a new poll found medical aid in dying gets 66% support among Catholic and Protestant voters, and 83% support from Jewish voters.

The practice is currently authorized in 10 states and Washington D.C., including some Arizona neighbors: California, Colorado and New Mexico.

Jim Lee, CEO of Susquehanna Polling and Research, which conducted the survey, said medical aid in dying also garners support across political lines, from 70% of Democrats, 68% of Republicans, and 63% of Independents.

"There is very little political downside to support medical aid-in-dying legislation," Lee pointed out. "I think religious conservatives should not fear a vote like this."

Kim Callinan, CEO of Compassion & Choices, noted two in three voters polled said they would want this option for themselves or their loved ones.

"Across the board, voters want the option of medical aid in dying, and personally would like to see this available in their own state," Callinan stressed. "That is true regardless of your party identification, age, sex or religious beliefs."

House Bill 2762 has been introduced but has not yet been given a hearing or a vote.

Disclosure: Compassion & Choices contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Senior Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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