AUGUSTA, Maine - Legislation that would allow a person to decide to end their life with the assistance of a doctor generated intense debate in the Maine Legislature today. The bill was defeated by a vote of 18 to 17 in the Senate, but passed the House 76 to 70. Unlike many debates this year, this one was not partisan but, instead, very personal.
Senators spoke at length about the very personal experiences they have faced, or will have to face, with loved ones who may have a terminal illness and wish to end their life. Camden Democratic Sen. David Miramant, acknowledged his surprise when his father-in-law approached him to say he was going to testify in support of the bill.
"I have known him for 36 years. I really respect and admire him, and the thought of him not being around to bounce ideas off of, to share the love and events and joys and sorrows that we have, made me sad and made me also want to honor his request," Miramant said.
But at the same time, Miramant says, he and his wife talked and wanted to make sure the legislation had safeguards against hasty decisions made under the influence of pain or medications, or influence from other family members. The measure’s sponsor, Augusta Republican Sen. Roger Katz, says the bill is based on successful laws in other states, like Vermont and Washington.
"A patient first has to orally request this life-ending medication from a doctor, the doctor has to certify the patient is terminally ill," Katz said. "The doctor has to refer the patent for a second opinion on terminal illness."
A second request must then be made by the patient, at least two weeks after the first, in writing. Two witnesses with no interest in the matter must attest to the decision and then a doctor may prescribe a drug that will result in the person’s death.
But all of those procedural safeguards were not enough for a majority of the Senate, including Scarborough Republican Sen. Amy Volk.
"Not only does one person’s decision always impact others, but our actions today will send a message across the state about the value and dignity of all human life," Volk said. "And I value all human life. It’s for this reason that if we were here today voting on the death penalty I would also be opposed."
Hampden Republican Sen. Andre Cushing related the circumstances of his father’s recent death from a blood clot in his brain and the agonizing decisions faced by the family afterward. He says his father died naturally at home under the care of medical attendants who helped keep him comfortable.
"I would hate, Mr. President, to reach a point here in Maine where we have created an environment where we accept that the ending of a life has no value or significance," Cushing said. "I think we need to be cautious in how we pursue this because it leads to a very disturbing place."
Katz says listening to Sen. Cushing brought back painful memories of his own father’s death, and he says he understands the difficult decision the legislation poses to all lawmakers.
"I, just like everyone, have to remember that we are not talking here in this bill about that decision that sons make for their fathers or their daughters make for their mothers," he said. "We are talking about decisions we make for ourselves."
The debate in the House was just as emotional and personal as that in the Senate. But The House narrowly voted for the measure sending it back to the Senate for another vote.
