RSSBoyle's suicide bill finally set for hearing
By None, The Daily Telegraph, Jan. 21, 2008
State Reps. Frank Boyle, D-Summit, and Fred Risser, D-Madison, first introduced the bill in 1994, the same year Oregon became the first state in the nation to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. Boyle says it's time to follow Oregon's lead and let people choose whether they want to live or die. He says it's not the slippery slope of euthanasia as the opponents have indicated. Rather, he says it's a compassionate alternative to what could be a very painful death as is seen in a number of serious cases.
But opposition to the measure is organized and strong. Wisconsin Right to Life Legislative Director Susan Armacost argues that people suffering from serious illnesses often change their minds. She says when people don't feel well, they may want to die and when feeling better, they may want to live. A patient suffering depression may request death not knowing that their quality of life can be improved with proper treatment, Amacost added. She says if this legislation is endorsed, it's going to teach individuals who are weak and frail that they actually have a duty to die.
Both will testify at the hearing before the Senate Committee this Wednesday.
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