Deadly meds debated for the terminally ill
Washington asks voters to decide end-of-life issue

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By The Associated Press
Published: October 12, 2008

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The emotionally charged battle over end-of-life decisions has taken to the airwaves as Washington state voters decide whether to allow doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients.

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Recent TV and radio ads by opponents feature actor Martin Sheen, who calls the measure a "dangerous idea” that could be used by the most vulnerable in society. Supporters are on TV with an ad spotlighting a widow who says it lets those who are suffering have control over their final days.

With both sides having raised a combined $3.5 million, much of it still unspent, more ads are expected in coming weeks.

The measure would allow physicians in Washington state to help terminally ill patients end their lives. Oregon, where voters first approved the idea in 1994, is the only state with such a law.

The measure is opposed by religious groups.


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