Thursday, April 14, 2011

Idaho Sends Bill to Governor to Ban Assisted Suicide

The House voted overwhelmingly to send a bill banning helping somebody else commit suicide to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for signature.

Republican Rep. Lynn Luker of Boise argued that outlawing assisted suicide was necessary to help prevent abuse of elderly residents by their caregivers who are seeking to profit from their patients' demise.

Luker says this bill, which foresees penalties of five years in prison for violations, protects "all concerned."

Democratic Rep. Grant Burgoyne complained this is inappropriate government intervention in a private decision.

The House voted overwhelmingly to send a bill banning helping somebody else commit suicide to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter for signature.

Republican Rep. Lynn Luker of Boise argued that outlawing assisted suicide was necessary to help prevent abuse of elderly residents by their caregivers who are seeking to profit from their patients' demise.

Luker says this bill, which foresees penalties of five years in prison for violations, protects "all concerned."

Democratic Rep. Grant Burgoyne complained this is inappropriate government intervention in a private decision.

Source:
Terri's Fight: Idaho House Sends Assisted Suicide Ban to Governor

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Euthanasia is a very private issue. That decision should be allowed only by the concerned individual, provided there is no undue influence. And doctors should be allowed to assist when requested, but they should not be the decision makers.

StandUp said...

This is wonderful news!

Gayle said...

I believe assisted suicide is really assisted murder.

Barbara said...

Thank you, Idaho!

Diane said...

Hooray, I applaud every time assisted suicide gets defeated.