Death w/ Dignity

For Vt. Now

The Jan. 17 Supreme Court ruling on so-called physician-assisted suicide did more than to rebuke John Ashcroft and the Bush administration's effort to scuttle Oregon's right to regulate the practice of medicine. Tuesday's ruling brought renewed comfort to terminally ill citizens in Oregon and throughout the country who wish to maintain dignity, privacy and choice as death approaches.

The vast majority of Vermonters are among those heartened by this Supreme Court ruling which affirms these rights for its citizens where state law allows.

It is understandable that a number of Vermont legislators were reticent to move forward with the proposed Death With Dignity legislation in Vermont until the Supreme Court had completed its review and announced its conclusions. With the ruling behind us, however, it is now time for our representatives in Montpelier to carry the legislative process forward.

Three out of four Vermonters want the legislation passed. All Vermonters deserve dignity and choice as life ebbs. 

David Babbott, M.D.

Burlington