Former Gov. Spellman Opposes “Death with Dignity” Initiative

Former Washington State Governor John Spellman disagrees with two other former Washington governors, Booth Gardner and Daniel Evans, on Initiative 1000, the measure on this November’s ballot that would allow physicians to prescribe a lethal dose of medications to terminally ill adults who wish to end their own lives.

In an op-ed piece in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Spellman says that while supporters argue the measure gives the terminally ill “a personal choice” what the initiative will do is “change the how fabric of medical care, and will radically alter the doctor-patient relationship.” 

If passed, Spellman aruges, the poor, disabled and other vulnerable patients will inevitably be pressured to end their lives prematurely.

“That’s not personal choice,” he concludes. “That’s destructive of the common good.”

To learn more:

• Read Gov. Spellman’s article in the Post-Intelligencer.

Tags: Death and Dying, Death with Dignity, Doctor-assisted Suicide, Euthansia

Category: End-of-Life Care, Ethics, Health-care Policy