skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

AZ Lawmakers Pressed to Allow Medical Aid in Dying

play audio
Play

Wednesday, March 9, 2022   

The Arizona Legislature is considering a bill which would allow medical aid in dying in the state.

House Bill 2762 would allow mentally sound, terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to obtain a prescription to gently end their suffering if decide they want to use it.

Michael Cavaiola, communications director for Compassion & Choices in Phoenix, explained public support for the measure is strong.

"Consistently, a large majority of voters support medical aid in dying," Cavaiola reported. "They expect their elected representatives to reflect that desire. And they want their representatives to at least give these bills a hearing, at least allow public discussion."

Opponents of medical aid in dying cite religious objections and, among physician groups, some ethical concerns. However, a new poll found medical aid in dying gets 66% support among Catholic and Protestant voters, and 83% support from Jewish voters.

The practice is currently authorized in 10 states and Washington D.C., including some Arizona neighbors: California, Colorado and New Mexico.

Jim Lee, CEO of Susquehanna Polling and Research, which conducted the survey, said medical aid in dying also garners support across political lines, from 70% of Democrats, 68% of Republicans, and 63% of Independents.

"There is very little political downside to support medical aid-in-dying legislation," Lee pointed out. "I think religious conservatives should not fear a vote like this."

Kim Callinan, CEO of Compassion & Choices, noted two in three voters polled said they would want this option for themselves or their loved ones.

"Across the board, voters want the option of medical aid in dying, and personally would like to see this available in their own state," Callinan stressed. "That is true regardless of your party identification, age, sex or religious beliefs."

House Bill 2762 has been introduced but has not yet been given a hearing or a vote.

Disclosure: Compassion & Choices contributes to our fund for reporting on Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Senior Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …


Environment

play sound

A new report contends fossil fuel funding has biased Columbia University's climate research. The report, by two Columbia students, shows the …

Social Issues

play sound

An Alabama woman is on a mission to help people who've been incarcerated for decades successfully transition back into society. The mission to …


So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

Environment

play sound

Marine biologists conducting deep dives near five California islands are collecting data they hope will strengthen the case for ending gillnet fishing…

AI queries require about 10 times the electricity of traditional internet searches and the generation of original music, photos and videos requires much more, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Researchers at Iowa State University are taking aim at the huge amount of energy used by data centers, now and in the future. They have developed a …

Environment

play sound

Rising demands for clean energy efficiency are producing a wealth of work opportunities in Illinois. These in-demand jobs are also promoting a …

Social Issues

play sound

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021