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Montana Ruling


Montana Ruling

Judge Dorothy McCarter

And, finally, in Montana, oral arguments will be heard in the case of Baxter v. Montana tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2, 2009. In December 2008, District Court Judge Dorothy McCarter ruled that the Montana constitutional rights of individual privacy and human dignity allow a terminally ill, mentally competent adult the right to die with assistance from a physician. Tragically, one of the plaintiffs, Robert Baxter, died the same day as Judge McCarter issued her ruling. The state appealed the decision, and a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court is not expected until next year. Click here to read more about the history of death with dignity in Montana or read the August 31st New York Times article regarding the upcoming ruling.

Posted on September 1, 2009 in Press Room.

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About Death with Dignity

The greatest human freedom is to live, and die, according to one's own desires and beliefs. From advance directives to physician-assisted dying, death with dignity is a movement to provide options for the dying to control their own end-of-life care.

Death with Dignity National Center is the leader in this movement, successfully establishing, advancing and defending the landmark Oregon and Washington Death with Dignity Acts.

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Political Action Fund

Capitol BuildingThe Death with Dignity National Center partners with the Oregon Death with Dignity Political Action Fund to conduct lobbying and political activities in order to achieve the enactment of Death with Dignity laws in other states.

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Patients & Families

family timeThe Death with Dignity National Center was formed out of a profound commitment to the idea that personal end-of-life decisions should be made solely between a patient and a physician. We are pleased to provide you with support and information as you face the difficult challenges ahead.

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Research Center

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