(Annie Black) – Assembly Bill 351 would allow “a physician to prescribe a medication that is designed to end the life of a patient under certain circumstances.”
This is one of those bills where conservatives of good conscience disagree. It’s a tough one. Any bill related, literally, to life-and-death decisions – from abortion to capital punishment – are gut-wrenching.
In considering the merits of this bill, I found an op-ed by Hanna Olivas, which was published Saturday in the Las Vegas Sun, to be emotionally persuasive.
Hannah, a 46-year-old mother and grandmother living in Las Vegas, has “an aggressive, incurable and terminal cancer.” The pain and suffering she’s facing is unimaginable. Consider her story…
“For now, I continue to undergo different types of treatments to have a better quality of life. But the blood cancer is taking a toll on my body. I am tired. I am in pain. I have a lesion in my neck. … I am exhausted, mentally and physically. I am nauseated. I am vomiting and I am in pain. …
“I know that my spinal column will collapse and shoot unbearable pain throughout my body, including my skull, jaw, teeth, ribs and legs. I am terrified of blood clots, bone cracks from just lying in bed in hospice, as tumors grow throughout my body. I do not want to leave my family with those horrific images as I die slowly in unbearable pain.”
I know there are principled conservatives who object to this bill. And I realize no matter how I vote on it I’m going to make some people angry and will likely lose their support.
But this is a decision I can’t duck. Yes, it’s hard. But that’s what I was elected to do on your behalf.
So before I make my decision, I want to hear from you. Give me your pros and cons. Tell me why you think I should vote for it or vote against it. And I’ll use your feedback to help me make the best choice possible.
Email to: annie@electannieblack.com
From the AnnieGram Mailbag
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Annie Black is the Nevada State Assemblywoman representing District 19. You can get more information and subscribe to her AnnieGram newsletter by visiting www.AnnieBlack.net