Boston Globe editorializes against assisted-suicide legislation in Massachusetts
November 02, 2012
A Boston Globe editorial has called for defeat of Proposition 2, a statewide referendum question that would allow for physician-assisted suicide.
The Globe, a paper with a strong history of endorsing liberal causes, argued that the legislation is poorly drafted, ignores the complexity of end-of-life issues, and downplays the need to provide adequate palliative care for patients who are terminally ill.
The Globe editorial follows a powerful op-ed piece by Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy, also opposing Proposition 2. The referendum has drawn opposition from doctors' groups and media outlets as well as from the state's Catholic bishops and pro-life leaders.
Polls show that support for the measure has eroded quickly in recent days, as opponents have drawn voters' attentions to the dangers of the legislation. Proposition 2, which once seemed likely to gain popular approval, now faces uncertain prospects.
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Further information:
- End-of-life discussions, care should come before Question 2 (Boston Globe)
- Ted Kennedy's widow opposes assisted-suicide initiative in Massachusetts (CWN, 10/29)
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Posted by: koinonia -
Nov. 03, 2012 8:29 AM ET USA
"Massachusetts, like most of the United States, has been in a woeful state of denial about the way its medical system handles the end of life." (Boston Globe) There's a tremendous amount of work to be done for all involved in these difficult situations. For many, and paradoxically for people of faith in particular, the end of life experience is too often one of fear, anxiety, frustration and despair. For the Christian, this is all the more tragic and inappropriate. Suicide is no answer.
