
- Drug Benefit Trends Vol 22 No 1
- Volume 22
- Issue 1
Montana Allows Physician-Assisted Suicide
In a 3-2 decision, the Montana Supreme Court determined that nothing in Montana state law prevents physicians from assisting patients with suicide, making Montana the third state, following Oregon and Washington, to allow this practice.1
In a 3-2 decision, the Montana Supreme Court determined that nothing in Montana state law prevents physicians from assisting patients with suicide, making Montana the third state, following Oregon and Washington, to allow this practice.1
The ruling effectively gives physicians the right to prescribe medications in lethal doses or lethal combinations for terminally ill, mentally competent patients. Under the law, the patients must self-administer the medications. Physicians are also protected from prosecution for any homicide charge that might be brought against them.
However, the court did not determine whether the Montana Constitution guarantees this right, instead citing that no state law or court’s precedent indicates that this practice is against public policy. By not guaranteeing physician-assisted suicide under the state’s constitution, the door is left open for opponents to challenge this ruling.
References:
Reference
1. Johnson K. Montana ruling bolsters doctor-assisted suicide. New York Times. December 31, 2009.
Articles in this issue
over 15 years ago
Opioid Overdoses on the Riseover 15 years ago
The Role of Antidepressants in the Treatment of Bipolar Depressionover 15 years ago
Medication Compliance Initiatives in the Workplaceover 15 years ago
2009 H1N1 Influenza: Antiviral Use for Prevention and Treatmentover 15 years ago
Medicare to Cover HIV Screening TestsNewsletter
Enhance your clinical practice with the Patient Care newsletter, offering the latest evidence-based guidelines, diagnostic insights, and treatment strategies for primary care physicians.