-Vermont Doctors Fight Law Requiring Them to Assist in Suicides or Give Referrals
by Dr. D ~ July 22nd, 2016
Vermont doctors and allied health care workers are fighting against a state law that requires them be involved with counseling terminally ill patients about all options available to them including assisted suicide. The law is also being interpreted to require them to assist in suicides or give referrals to doctors who will. Here’s the story from The Washington Times:
Vermont doctors and health care professionals are pushing back against an interpretation of state law that they say requires them to help kill patients who wish to die.
Members of two medical groups, the Vermont Alliance for Ethical Healthcare and Christian Medical & Dental Associations, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against officials in two state medical agencies responsible for the interpretation.
The lawsuit says these agencies have interpreted a 2013 physician-assisted suicide law, Act 39, in a way that would require health care professionals to counsel terminally ill patients about the option to commit suicide.
Response: Another case where a state statute is forcing people of faith to go against their conscience and religious principles. The Vermont law has no provision for religious exemption. The Alliance Defending Freedom lawyers handling this case believe that it is a clear violation of the First Amendment
A similar situation is happening in California where pro-life counselors are now being forced to provide referrals to abortion centers. That law is also being challenged in the courts. *Top
