DENVER – State lawmakers are planning another attempt at allowing terminally ill people to request life-ending medication, even as a group of Coloradans readies a ballot effort.
The emotionally charged subject had a short life at the Colorado Legislature last session. After an 11-hour hearing, a House committee defeated legislation. The bill never saw broader floor debates.
It was referred to as “death with dignity.” But sponsors are moving away from that messaging for the upcoming session in January, instead framing the proposal as being about “end-of-life options.”
“Our goal is the same as it was last year,” said Rep. Lois Court, D-Denver, who sponsored last session’s legislation and is carrying the measure again. “Our goal is to provide comfort, both physical and psychological, to people at this stage of life.”
The basics of the legislation would be the same, including requiring that the life-ending drugs be self-administered. Patients would need to be able to communicate health care decisions to two separate physicians.
The debate, however, has been mired in legal, ethical and religious concerns.
Some wondered whether depression could lead to a hasty request for life-ending medication. Others worried insurance companies would use the law to push terminal patients toward life-ending medication, rather than incur the costs of treatment.
From the religious perspective, faith leaders stated that life is a sacred gift.
Sponsors hope to at least address policy issues that weighed the legislation down.
Questions were raised as to where and how medication would be stored, so life-ending cocktails don’t end up in the wrong hands. Court said the bill for the upcoming session would more specifically address safe storage and patient responsibilities.
Compassion and Choices, a Denver-based nonprofit committed to helping “everyone have the best death possible,” held statewide meetings on the issue, including one in Durango on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, some Coloradans are pushing forward with a ballot proposal that would also enact end-of-life choices.
The proposal – which is scheduled for a review and comment hearing on Dec. 8 before proponents can collect the 98,492 signatures needed to qualify for the 2016 ballot – goes a step further by declaring that “any person or group assisting a (Colorado resident) to secure Medical Aid In Dying shall have immunity from criminal prosecution and civil liability.”
Lance Wright, a Denver resident pushing the initiative, said the proposal offers an alternative, adding: “The way we look at it, it’s a Plan B.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
