Physician Assisted Suicide Defeated Again in Maryland

 

Another Pro-Life Victory for the Vulnerable in Maryland! PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE DEFEATED AGAIN Maryland Pro-Life Advocates Defeat Deadly Bill for the 8th Time

The 447th session of the Maryland General Assembly came to a close on Monday, May 7th without enacting the deadly Physician Assisted Suicide bills. Maryland Right to Life closely watched through the end of session to ensure that these lethal bills were in fact "dead". The cross-filed bills, deceivingly entitled as the "End Of Life Options Act", were introduced for the eighth time in the House (HB1328) by Delegate Terri Hill (D-Howard County) along with 48 other democrat lawmakers, and in the Senate (SB926) solely by Senator Will Smith (D-Montgomery County). As a result of unceasing opposition efforts, the bill stalled in the House and was denied a hearing altogether in the Senate. We are extremely grateful to our supporters and partners who took action to oppose this dangerous bill that would license medical providers to kill and reduce the standard of medical care for all. Maryland Right to Life testifiedagainst the House bill alongside our partners including the Dignity Mandate and Patients Rights Action Fund, who collaborated to present expert legal and medical witness testimonies. Maryland Right to Life supporters sent an amazing 8,424 letters to legislators urging them to vote against the Physician Assisted Suicide to protect vulnerable individuals and the integrity of the medical profession. THANK YOU! With your support, Maryland Right to Life has expanded our education and outreach efforts to defeat these bills. This year we engaged representatives of the veterans community, who are particularly susceptible to suicide. According the a U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs 2024 report, suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45. Our veterans deserve the highest quality of physical and mental health care available. The government should not evade this duty of care by licensing doctors to kill veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or chronic pain. Bill sponsor Senator Will Smith, a U.S. Naval Reserve officer himself, responded to MDRTL's strategic opposition by veteran advocates by promptly cancelling the Senate bill hearing. Together, we can make the difference between life and death! Veterans experiencing mental health or other issues can seek help  through the VA website or dial 9-8-8 and press 1.  All others in need of support may reach the  Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling or texting 9-8-8.  For more information, subscribe now to receive the upcoming Maryland Right to Life 2025 Legislative Wrap Up.