Vermont Medical Society praised for opposition to laws on euthanasia

Published: 2003-12-29

BURLINGTON, Vt. (CNS) -- Burlington Bishop Kenneth A. Angell expressed "relief, approval and gratitude" after the council of the Vermont Medical Society voted to oppose any laws concerning physician-assisted suicide in its future testimony before the Vermont Legislature. "I am indeed thankful for their ethical, moral and spiritual soundness which preserves the special bond of trust with their patients," the bishop said. Paul Harrington, executive vice president of the society, said the council's decision makes clear that the organization "continues to believe there should be no laws concerning physician-assisted suicide and that the society in no way endorses euthanasia." He added, "As a result of the action, this policy supersedes any contradictory earlier VMS policy on physician-assisted suicide and settles any lingering confusion." The society maintains its position of opposing any law either banning or permitting physician-assisted suicide.

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