More important to me than the presidential election was Colorado’s Proposition 106 – the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act. And it was approved overwhelmingly. I can’t express how relieved I am and how grateful that so many Colorado voters — even those who would not choose this option for themselves — understood how important this could be to some of their fellow Coloradans.
The new law is modeled after Oregon’s Death with Dignity law and contains the same provisions and safeguards. Several previous efforts to pass such a law failed to get past state legislators.
This is how the voting went:
(Graphics are from the New York Times, where an interactive county-by-county map is available.)
For an aging woman only a year past a cancer diagnosis and treatment, the knowledge that this law is now in place is incredibly reassuring and comforting. Thank you, Colorado.
A long-needed assist in medical understanding and personal choices, this law is a step forward. I, too, suffer from a disease–not cancer–that can be life-shortening. I’m happy for your relief! And I hope this helping hand law spreads forth into other states.
I, too, hope such informed generosity of spirit will spread to the rest of the country.
Long overdue.
But very welcome nontheless.
Yes this is great for Colorado! Wish it would come here to Fla., but it’ll never happen in the South…too religious. Ive long felt we should be in charge of when and how we die just as we live. And it should be painless, quick and with compassion
It was the religious right in our state legislature that stalled it in the past. This time it was a referendum from the people. Very gratifying. Perhaps it will turn into a ground swell movement that sweeps the country, like LGBT rights and same-sex marriage. No one should have to suffer through their last days just because of someone else’s religious beliefs.
Who is ANYONE to decide whether one may end one’s VERY OWN life? Oi, human beings, I’m telling you!, when will we collectively get it through our skulls that FACTUALLY we’ve a powerful tendency to impose our own values upon others? Personally I have newfound respect for…people who insist that respect for others is crucial. If only such persons would better articulate…
Doesn’t matter how well they articulate. The religious right listens only to the church.
Considering how the rest of this week has gone politically, the passage of this bill is truly a breath of fresh air!
It certainly is. I treasure it like a diamond plucked from the middle of a swamp.
“Swamp” is so appropriate, after Tuesday’s “red flood!”
I wish a shower could wash it all away.
I truly envy you and the rest of the Coloradans with regard to this one. I once seriously considered moving to Oregon solely for the purpose of having this choice. I never thought Arkansas would ever consider a ‘death with dignity’ law being a part of the Bible Belt however, they just legalized marijuana so maybe there is hope… but I doubt it. 🙁
I only half-considered moving to Oregon; I don’t think I have the temperament to move that far away from everyone and everything I know. Now I don’t have to worry about it. Frankly I’m surprised to hear a state as red as Arkansas legalized marijuana, so yeah, keep your fingers crossed. As we’ve just learned, the unthinkable is possible.
Hooray for Colorado. I wish we could get a politics-transplant from your state to mine! Missouri needs one desperately.
Every state needs a law like this. In the 21st Century, it’s the humane thing to do. Those who believe otherwise are free to go ahead and suffer needlessly if they wish.