Passage of the Act would erect another barrier to effective pain relief while failing to do what its proponents want: stopping physician-assisted suicide. Although members of the Coalition vary on their stance concerning legalization of physician-assisted suicide, all are united in the belief that this bill would hinder good care at the end of life.
In its efforts to spread the message about problems with the bill, the Coalition has held a media briefing and a legislative staff luncheon. Numerous meetings with individual legislative staffs and the Department of Justice have been on the Coalition's agenda. The Coalition has also stimulated a great deal of grassroots activity, sending members to the field offices of their state Congressional leaders. As this Congressional session comes to an end, and it becomes clearer whether the bill is likely to pass or not, the Coalition will devise a strategy for follow-up. For now, the consensus is that the few weeks left in this legislative session simply do not allow for thoughtful consideration of the kind of legislation that is really needed.
ABCD members have been especially active in sending out letters to representatives and senators as well as attending meetings. Unless constituents clamor against the bill, policymakers are unlikely to take notice. We need you to speak out against this bill and help legislators understand that a vote against this bill is a vote for better end-of-life care.
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