Proponents, Critics React After Assisted Suicide Bill Approved by Minnesota House Committee

(KNSI) – A Minnesota health committee split along party lines in approving a new measure that would allow for assisted suicide.

Republicans are against the bill that would allow health professionals to end the suffering of adults 18 and older who have a terminal illness that is expected to kill them in six months or less. They point to similar programs in other states that have since been expanded from their original premise.

House Minority Lisa Demuth stressed, “Every life has value and we’ve seen a disturbing and slippery slope for programs like these in other states and countries. Minnesota Democrats are pushing forward another extreme bill to end life instead of focusing on issues Minnesotans are concerned about like supporting family budgets or returning SROs to schools. House Republicans will stand on the side of life and will work towards building a culture that values every human life in Minnesota.”

Compassion and Choices Action Network Minnesota is a group in favor of the End-of-Life Options Act. Dr. Rebecca Thoman, its director, says the long track record in other states of assisted suicide is proof it should come to Minnesota.

“Nearly 30 years ago, Oregon became the first state to allow this practice and since then there has been no evidence of misuse. Today 10 states and Washington, DC provide this option and we are hopeful Minnesota will join them this year.”

The measure was approved 10-5 by the Health Finance and Policy Committee. It needs to be passed by the full Minnesota House and Senate before it would be eligible to be signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.

___