I was glad to see your front page story on June 26 about the public hearing the day before at the Statehouse, concerning the bill called “The End of Life Options Act” (H.1926).
As a Northampton city councilor, I was proud to take the lead in late 2017 in getting the council to unanimously pass a resolution urging the Legislature to pass this bill.
The bill would allow terminally ill, mentally capable people — those facing the prospect of great pain and suffering at the end of their lives — the option of medical, compassionate aid in dying, by self-administering medication prescribed by their doctor and dying peacefully and painlessly in their sleep.
Nine states, and the District of Columbia, have passed similar laws. It’s time for Massachusetts to take action.
The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Health held a public hearing on June 25, attended by over 500 people, the majority of whom were supporters of passing this bill.
I urge Gazette readers who support this bill to contact the co-chairs of the Public Health Committee. Please urge them to discuss, vote on and report this bill out favorably — before the August recess begins — so that the full Legislature can consider it later in the year. The State House phone number is 617-722-2130, and the co-chairs are Sen. Joanne Comerford (joanne.comerford@masenate.gov); and Rep. John Mahoney (john.mahoney@mahouse.gov).
Also, please urge your family and friends all over the state to do the same.
Dennis Bidwell
Northampton City Councilor