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.
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After an intense legislative session battling House Bill 505, otherwise known as “The Doctor Imprisonment Act,” the Montana Senate struck down this dangerous measure, which would have obliterated citizens’ right to access aid in dying and criminalized doctors who provide it. HB 505 fizzled 27-23 on April 15 after its proponents used procedural maneuvers to…
In December, a Montana District judge ruled that mentally competent, terminally ill Montanans have a fundamental right to a dignified death as protected by their state constitution. Yet four months into this ruling, two terminally ill Montana residents who wish to access this constitutional right cannot find a willing physician to help them. This is…
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