Protestors came to the Capitol today with a message - the terminally ill should have a right to end their life with dignity and it appears an euthanasia movement is growing in Arizona.

It's a big issue throughout the country. Would you want to linger in pain if you knew you were going to die? Those who came down to the Capitol today say each person should have the legal right to make their own decision.

"It's high time people do whatever they signed up to do," said Vera Church and others belonging to Compassion and Choices of Arizona. "What they signed up to do in their own words is to support the ability of everyone to die in their own way."

What was once known as the Hemlock Society hit the sidewalks outside the legislature to support a bill being introduced by Tucson Rep. Linda Lopez.

The bill is HB 2572 and is modeled after the one in Oregon. It allows a terminally ill patient with less than six months to live and being of sound mind the right to get a prescription from a doctor that will be lethal.

Many at the march say they have painful memories of loved ones who suffered and now want a choice.

"Terminally ill patients recognize that the end is close," said Harvey Turner, who said he's a retired surgeon and believe some doctors throughout the country are quietly ending the suffering of patients already.

Some came from as far away as Tucson and Green Valley today, hoping the system of death with dignity changes and changes soon.

>> back to top

home | search | site guide | contact us | privacy policy