Protection of conscience provision in Massachusetts assisted suicide bill

House Bill 1998 (2013)

An Act affirming a terminally ill patient’s right to compassionate aid in dying

Protection of conscience provisions are included in a bill to
legalize assisted suicide in Massachusetts for residents who are at least 18
years old and diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six
months or less.  It is not clear from the text of the statute whether or
not an objector is exempt from all parts of the assisted suicide process [per
Section 4(b)ii], or only from the requirement to actually provide the lethal
medication [per Section 4(1)].  Similarly, it is not clear whether or not
an objector is required to refer or otherwise assist a patient to find someone
who will provide a lethal prescription; Section 4(b)iv appears to imply an
expectation of referral or assistance.

Catholic Archdiocese of New York wins injunction

A federal court in New York has awarded the Catholic Archdiocese of New York a permanent injunction barring enforcement of the contentious federal regulation that requires objecting employers to pay for health insurance for contraception and surgical sterilization.  The federal government can appeal the ruling. [New York Times]

French public panel recommends legalization of euthanasia

A panel of 18 people deemed representative of society, appointed by the French national ethics committee had decided that euthanasia/assisted suicide is a “legitimate right” for the dying or terminally ill.  The ethics committee had previously advised the French government against legalizing the procedures because of concern that it would be “dangerous” for society.   French President Francois Hollande is reported to be planning to bring forward a bill. [Reuters]

Confusing report of Slovenian hospital controversy

Ten physicians at the Ljubljana UKC hospital’s surgery programme for congenital
heart defects of children are reported to have used a “conscience clause” in order to deal with a dispute involving the occasional engagement of foreign surgeons.  Their complaint centres on the fact that a visiting Israeli surgeon does not remain for post-operative care of the children.  It is not clear how this could have been done, since Slovenian protection of conscience laws are not applicable in the situation described.  The report elsewhere refers to the physicians’ action as a “collective resignation.” [STA News Service]  The engagement of the Israeli surgeon had previously been found to be and example of corruption [STA News Service].