Re-Affirm AMA Opposition to Legalized Assisted Suicide

Editors Note: Recently the American Medical Association (AMA) met and considered resolution 213 concerning physicians assisting suicide. Following is the Not Dead yet flyer passed out to AMA members before the vote.

People with disabilities and chronic conditions want effective pain relief, but we do not want other controlled substances (barbiturates) to be prescribed for the purpose of assisted suicide. Legalized assisted suicide threatens our lives. The AMA has long been part of a broad coalition that opposes legalized assisted suicide and active euthanasia. Don't abandon us now.

The Department of Justice Ruling Does Not Undermine Pain Relief---It Challenges Assisted Suicide in Oregon

In spite of what scaremongers are saying, the Department of Justice isn't proposing to have the DEA scrutinize all prescriptions for pain relief. Under the ruling, the DEA will review the records of physicians reporting prescriptions to aid in a suicide under Oregon law. In fact, when Ashcroft issued the ruling, he also wrote that there "will be no increase in DEA scrutiny of physicians' prescription of controlled substances to control pain in any state, including Oregon, as a consequence of today's decision. Consequently, physicians throughout the country should feel confident that they may prescribe federally controlled drugs to the full extent desirable to relieve pain without any fear that their prescriptions will be questioned or investigated as a result of today's action."

What's wrong with Resolution 213?

First, it's an overreaction to unfounded fears. 

Most importantly, however, it could have an important impact on the current battle over assisted suicide. Right now, six prominent disability organizations that filed an amicus brief in support of the Attorney General in Oregon v. Ashcroft are awaiting the ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. No matter which way the court decides, all parties expect the ruling to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

People with disabilities, whether they are labeled chronic or terminal, deserve the equal protection of the law, not a streamlined path to an unnatural death. Legalizing assisted suicide is bad public policy. Adoption of Resolution 213 would signal policymakers and the Justices of the Supreme Court that the AMA has changed its mind about assisted suicide. 

Oppose Resolution 213