Coloradans Overwhelmingly Vote in Favor of End-of-Life Options
November 9, 2016 aid in dyingColoradoColorado End of Life Options Act
Champions of Prop 106, medical aid in dying react to election results
COLORADO — Colorado today voted to become the sixth state to allow terminally ill adults with six months or fewer to live and suffering unbearably the option to request, obtain, and if they so choose, self-administer a prescription medication to bring about their peaceful death.
According to the latest polling numbers, the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act was just voted into law. The win comes just seven months after Compassion & Choices and the Compassion & Choices Action Network made the strategic decisions to support a ballot initiative in Colorado. Compassion & Choices lent its policy know-how and deep understanding of aid-in-dying laws to work with petitioners to draft the proposed statute, while the Compassion & Choices Action Network provided important financial resources to foster an effective on-the-ground advocacy effort. Bolstered by funds provided by Compassion & Choices Action Network – Colorado (CCAN-CO), the Yes on Colorado End of Life Options committee organized the citizen-led campaign for Proposition 106 after two failed attempts by the Colorado legislature to pass the legislation, in spite of multiple public polls showing overwhelming support for the measure.
In celebrating The End of Life Options Act passage, Compassion & Choices and Compassion & Choices Action Network President Barbara Coombs Lee issued the following statement:
“This is a historic day for all Coloradans, and an especially tremendous victory for terminally ill adults who worry about horrific suffering in their final days. It brings great joy knowing Coloradans can make these deeply personal end-of-life decisions, together with their families, doctors and spiritual advisors.
“We are delighted the significant investment paid off and are proud to have lent the expertise and resources to empower the voters of Colorado. We congratulate Colorado for becoming the sixth state where more people have peace of mind at the end of life and fewer suffer unnecessarily.”
