Medical aid in dying was authorized in Montana when the state Supreme Court found in 2009 that “[The] Rights of the Terminally Ill Act clearly provides that terminally ill patients are entitled to autonomous end-of-life decisions.” Compassion & Choices litigated this case.
On February 21, HB 637 was introduced to codify medical aid in dying in Montana. The bill was heard on Wednesday, February 26 at 7 am MT in the House Judiciary Committee, but failed to advance. This was the first bill introduced to codify medical aid in dying since 2011. We’re grateful to Representatives Darling, Strand, Griffith, Cunningham, Tilleman, Carter, Cohenour, Howell, Nikolakakos, Thane, Marler, and Lynch for introducing this compassionate legislation to try to change the conversation about medical aid in dying in Helena.
The power of personal stories to inspire and drive change is undeniable. Everyone has a story, and we invite you to share yours.
SB136 Podría Criminalizar a Médicos por Brindar a Pacientes Opción Para Muerte Pacífica Después de una emotiva audiencia del jueves, el Montana Senate Judiciary Committee votó hoy para avanzar el Physician Imprisonment Act (SB 136) o Medida de Encarcelamiento a Médicos, que criminaliza la práctica de ayuda médica para morir en el estado. A pesar…
Despite passionate testimony from voters from around the state imploring the committee to uphold Montanans’ end-of-life liberties by stopping SB136, committee members voted 7-2 recommending the bill to be heard by the full Senate.
Our Introduction to Medical Aid in Dying state packets help explain the medical aid in dying process in jurisdictions where it is authorized*. Compassion & Choices updated the packets to be the most comprehensive resource for those wanting to understand or use medical aid-in-dying laws.
Compassion & Choices has filed an amicus brief in the Montana Supreme Court asserting a state law banning certain medical treatments for transgender minors could threaten the privacy rights to make medical decisions at every stage of life, including the end of life. A Montana district court blocked enforcement of the law in late September, just a few days…
This year, Compassion & Choices honors Doris Fischer, the co-winner of the inaugural Allyne Hammer Award. For 16 dedicated years, Doris has volunteered with Compassion & Choices, leaving an indelible mark in Montana. Medical aid in dying was authorized in Montana by court ruling in 2009, with Doris participating in the efforts to keep it…
Bill would strip dying Montanans of access to a peaceful death, subject doctors who provide medical aid in dying to homicide charges, possible death penalty (Helena, MT — Feb. 17, 2023) A new poll shows nearly nine out of 10 Montana voters (88%) oppose a bill that the state Senate could vote on any day, SB 210, which…
Montanans representing 88% of state voters who oppose legislation that would subject physicians to homicide charges if they provided medical aid in dying to terminally ill adults who requested it, praised the state Senate for rejecting the bill, SB 210, in a 24-26 vote Wednesday. Homicide is a felony crime that in Montana carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison…
My dad Bob was terminally ill with chronic lymphocytic leukemia when he became the lead plaintiff in the 2009 Baxter ruling, which authorized aid in dying in Montana. He wanted to decide when he had endured enough suffering and wanted the option to die peacefully at home. He continued the effort, even when he realized the decision…
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