Physician-assisted suicide bill dies in Vermont House

Published: 2007-03-22

MONTPELIER, Vt. (CNS) -- The Vermont House of Representatives March 21 defeated a bill that would have allowed a terminally ill patient with a prognosis of six months or less to live to ask a physician for a prescription that would end his or her life. The medication would have been administered by the patient. The bill, known as H. 44, was defeated 82-63. "It was a pleasure to learn of (the) vote on H. 44 that defeated resoundingly the proposal," Father Jay C. Haskin, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Colchester, told The Vermont Catholic Tribune, newspaper of the Diocese of Burlington. He had testified against the measure. "This action upholds life and human dignity. All of Vermont can be pleased with this ethical vote," said the priest. Burlington Bishop Salvatore R. Matano and many Catholics were among the most ardent opponents of the bill. Supporters of the bill said it would have allowed "death with dignity."

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .