State Rep. Rogers Says 'No' on Assisted Suicide Ballot Question

As the November election approaches, State Rep. John Rogers (D-Norwood) has taken a strong stance in opposition of Question 2 - the legalization of assisted suicide in Massachusetts.

"As a Democrat committed to improving the quality of life for our citizens, I have a number of problems with Ballot Question 2 and am endorsing a 'No' vote," Rogers said in a press release by the group "No on Question 2."

The legislation that will be on the ballot this November "would allow a physician licensed in Massachusetts to prescribe medication, at a terminally ill patient’s request, to end that patient’s life." The act would require that patients are mentally capable of making this decision and orally communicate it to a doctor on two occasions 15 days apart. Participation by a doctor or health care facility would be voluntary.

"I am particularly concerned about issues like cost-cutting, no requirement for a psychiatric evaluation and that there is no real state oversight," Rogers said. "I believe that these concerns expressed in large part by Massachusetts' disability rights community, should be given serious weight and Ballot Question 2 defeated."

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