From True Dignity Vermont:
Watchdog Group Launches HotlineTrue Dignity Vermont has launched an abuse hotline in response to the recently-passed bill that will allow Vermont physicians to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill patients.
Individuals who suspect patients of being unduly influenced to request or ingest lethal drugs, or of being given such drugs against their will, can report such concerns by calling 1-855-787-5455 (1-855-STP-KILL) or emailing True Dignity Vermont at ReportAbuse@TrueDignityVt.org.
A citizen-led, grassroots initiative, True Dignity Vermont worked alongside other organizations to vigorously oppose the legalization of prescription death in Vermont . That effort failed with the passage of an amended bill on May 13, but leaders say they will press forward to work to protect vulnerable Vermonters who will be at risk as a result of what they call “dangerous, poorly conceived legislation.”
“We believe our role must now expand to that of watchdog, as well as providing education and a resource clearinghouse for Vermonters who want to be sure they will be protected from coercion to end their lives,” according to True Dignity spokesperson Carolyn McMurray of Bennington.
“The bill that Governor Shumlin is signing into law is fraught with problems that will leave vulnerable patients open to abuse, and will damage patient-doctor trust,” she said, adding that True Dignity Vermont plans to develop a registry of “safe” doctors, nursing homes and other health care providers who will not participate in assisted suicide. “Vermonters need to be reassured that the end of life need not be frightening and painful, and that they will be supported properly with the very best palliative care and pain control. Enabling suicide is not a compassionate response to suffering.”
More information about True Dignity Vermont is available at http://truedignityvt.org/
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Vermont Alliance for Ethical Healthcare
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Vermont Alliance for Ethical Healthcare announced today that the organization will expand their efforts to include offering help to those who are feeling coerced or pressured into requesting lethal drugs underVermont’s new physician-assisted suicide law.
Governor Peter Shumlin is scheduled to sign S.77 on Monday, May 20, 2013. Once signed, the law is effective immediately.
“This poorly-crafted bill has even fewer safeguards than the Oregon law,” stated Edward Mahoney, President of VAEH. “We fear that vulnerable Vermonters will feel pressured or coerced into making a request for a lethal dose of medication. Several problematic Oregon cases have been well-publicized, and those interested can find more information on our web site.” (www.vaeh.org)
For the past decade, VAEH has promoted the provision of excellent health care at the end of life, including the best of hospice and palliative medicine; and the organization has consistently warned of the dangers of legalized physician-assisted suicide. With the passage and enactment of S.77 VAEH saw the need to expand their efforts.
“When patients are feeling coerced or pressured into requesting lethal drugs to end their life, they need a place to turn for help.” added Mahoney. “With our broad network of concerned health care providers throughout Vermont, VAEH will seek to address the concerns of patients and try to help alleviate the pressures that are causing them to feel they have no other choice.”
Given that the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living has a history of being unable to respond to complaints of abuse in a timely manner, as well as the fact that the Governor, Attorney General and the Commissioner of Health all strongly advocated for physician-assisted suicide despite the known risks it poses, Mahoney thinks it is important for Vermonters to have a place to turn for help. “We now have state-sanctioned suicide in Vermont. If the State won’t protect Vermonters, we will try.”