Last Sunday, the American Medical Association (AMA) met in Chicago to discuss, among other topics, physician assisted suicide.
The AMA’s House of Delegates debated over whether or not they should keep their longstanding policy of opposing physician assisted suicide. The association’s Code of Medical Ethics currently states:
Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.
After thorough investigation and review, the AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) even recommended that the AMA maintain their opposition to this lethal practice!
However — according to reports, the room was deeply divided over the issue. 56% of the delegates voted NOT to affirm their current policy opposing the practice, and it’s been sent back for “further review.”
This is not a good sign.
The AMA will remain opposed for now, but it’s only a matter of time while they seriously contemplate changing their opinion. There will likely be a heated battle soon to come.
If the AMA rejects their longstanding opposition to assisted suicide, the ramifications could be lethal for Illinois and the rest of the country.
The Chicago Tribune reports:
Though only individual states can legalize the practice, the AMA’s position has been influential in informing those decisions.
Assisted suicide has been legalized in 7 states and the District of Columbia, and the pro-death movement is not slowing down. Illinois is also on their target list.
So here are three things you can do:
1. Stay informed! Watch and learn as Dr. Charles Bentz, a practicing physician from Oregon (where assisted suicide is legal), unwraps the reality and ramifications of legalizing physician assisted suicide.
(Dr. Bentz has actually received requests from his patients for assisted suicide and he shares his personal experience with the practice in our exclusive Heart2Heart Educational Program video.)
2. Share this video and the facts with your family and friends, and with your healthcare professional!
3. Pray that God will give all the members of the AMA the courage to stand by the truth, support life, and maintain their role as healers by rejecting assisted suicide.
Never doubt the power of prayer.
Stay tuned for updates.