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

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.

Advertisement

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.


Toolbar sponsored by: David Stanley Ford
Bookmark and Share



Comments

Thank you for joining our conversations on NewsOK.com. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.

Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.

Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).