(Casper, WY) -- House Bill 119 -- the so-called "Death
with Dignity" bill -- was introduced in the Wyoming State Legislature this
session and it was the topic of discussion during a recent edition of
Senior-Wise at the Casper Senior Center. The presentation was made by Casper
resident Alicia Loveland (pictured above), who addressed the House committee in support of the
bill. "I'm not with any organization," she began her presentation. "I'm
just an individual citizen and Iwant to present what the bill is about." She
said the Wyoming bill is somewhat similar to a bill that was approved in
Oregon. "I have strong feelings on the subject," she said.
She said HB 119 includes several required steps. First, an oral
request must be made to a doctor, followed by a 15 day waiting period. After
that, a return visit to the doctor is required where an additional request must
be made. Then, the bill would require the doctor to explain all options and a
written request must be made and it must be witnessed by two other people,
neither of whom could benefit by the ultimate decision. The doctor would again
explain the options and would direct the patient to another doctor for
confirmation of a terminal diagnosis. This doctor would write a letter
explaining the condition, confirming that it is terminal and provide an estimated
time of life expectancy. The bill would require the doctor to wait 4 days
before prescribing the end of life drugs. Finally, the doctor would call the
pharmacy and the pharmacy decides whether to fill the prescription.
Strong opinions on the moral, legal and ethical implications
of this bill were expressed during the discussion period, and it was
acknowledged that few physicians and pharmacists would take part in the
process. Loveland explained her support for the bill was due in part because
her family had been touched by the tragedy of suicide.
Montana, Vermont, Oregon and Washington currently have these
assisted suicide laws on the books. HB 119 was not voted out of committee in
the Wyoming state legislature and therefore lacked support for a vote before
the entire House.
Senior-Wise is held Tuesdays at 12:30 at the Casper Senior
Center, located at 1831 East 4th Street in Casper.
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