End Of Life Debate Decided By Handful Of Senators

The Vermont Senate voted Tuesday afternoon to advance legislation that allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with prescription drugs. A number of senators who were undecided on the issue made up their minds to support it over the weekend.
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Analysis: Pertussis Prompts Review Of Immunization Exemption Law

Lawmakers are reconsidering the philosophical and religious exemption to the childhood immunization law in the face of a rise in pertussis (whooping cough) cases. They’re also set to discuss the contentious end-of-life bill next week. VPR’s Bob Kinzel talks with Peter Biello about the week in legislative news.
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The End-of-Life Rights Debate

We hear the debate over end-of-life rights after a week of hearings at the State House, VPR’s John Dillon provides analysis on wind power issues and we listen back to the voices in the week’s news.

Hearings Begin On Assisted Death Bill

Witnesses ranging from former Gov. Madeleine Kunin to Vermont’s current health commissioner, Dr. Harry Chen, are scheduled to testify to a state Senate committee about legislation that would allow physicians to help terminally ill patients end their own lives.
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Debate Begins On ‘Death With Dignity’ Bill

The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a bill that would allow patients to get medication to end their lives. The so-called "death with dignity" bill has been controversial in the Statehouse, and its prospects for passage remain uncertain.
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Doctors’ Role In Decisions On Dying

Supporters call it "Death With Dignity" and opponents call it "Physician-Assisted Suicide." For both sides, the debate over whether physicians should be able to help people die is emotional and contentious.

Lawmakers Face Tough Bill On ‘Right To Die’

Legislation has been introduced at the Statehouse that will allow doctors to prescribe life ending medications to terminally ill patients. Supporters refer to it as "the Death with Dignity" bill, while opponents call it "physician assisted suicide."