LANSING, Mich. -- Right to Life of Michigan is expressing concerns about four bills that have been introduced in the state House that seek to legalize assisted suicide in Michigan.
Similar measures have not been passed by the state Legislature in the past. The newest legislation was introduced April 21. The medically assisted suicide/medical aid-in-dying bills (House Bills 5825 through 5828) include the proposed Death with Dignity Act. The package of bills would require patients to make multiple requests and receive evaluations from two doctors.
The legislation would give terminally ill adults with six months or fewer to live the right to receive medication to end their own lives. Amber Roseboom is president of Right to Life of Michigan. She gave her thoughts about the bills in a telephone interview with WOOD Radio News.
"These bills really are a misled attempt to save state resources under the guise of compassionate care," Roseboom said. "The repeal of the state's longstanding safeguard against assisted suicide would put thousands of Michiganders at imminent risk of declining care and abandonment."
The proposed "Death with Dignity" legislative package would allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or fewer to live the right to self-administer life-ending medication.
It was sponsored by State Representative Kimberly Edwards of Eastpointe.
"This legislation helps the whole patient anatomy," Edwards said in a telephone interview with WOOD Radio News. "It allows terminally ill individuals to choose a peaceful death and avoid unbearable suffering."
No legislative hearings have taken place on the newest legislation.
Thirteen states plus the District of Columbia have legalized assisted suicide in the United States. Roseboom said since it has been legal in Canada, it has become the fifth-leading cause of death in that country. She pointed out that Canada has set March 17, 2027, as the date when people suffering solely from a mental illness would be eligible for assisted suicide.
Rep. Edwards said the "Death with Dignity" legislation would help give patients control over the timing and manner of death, "Ensuring legal, safe and regulated options that are provided with a peace of mind."
Rep. Edward said people in Michigan relate to the need for the legislation because most everyone has had a friend or family member with a terminal illness who they have had to watch suffer.
"We're not turning our backs on the most vulnerable individuals," Edwards added.
Roseboom also talked about not turning one's back on vulnerable people - but with a different view than Edwards of what that means.
"There are many examples of patients being denied lifesaving treatment or care - which, as we know, can be costly - and offer assisted suicide, instead," Roseboom said. "Turning our backs on vulnerable citizens - our neighbors, friends and family, and patients in their hour of greatest need - runs counter to the core mission of healthcare in the United States of America. Ultimately, denying patients true dignity and compassion."
###
Photo: Michigan.gov