Michigan Senate Democrats are aiming to pass legislation that would legalize and promote assisted suicide throughout the state, WLNS 6 reported last November.
That controversial legislation has found new life due to the upcoming lame duck session of Michigan’s majority Democrats in the House and Senate following this November’s election.
Senate Bills 678-681, which are collectively referred to as the “Death with Dignity Act,” would make it legal for Michiganders to use their insurance to acquire life-ending prescription drugs, allowing them to “die on their own timeline.”
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SB 678 in particular would move to force insurers in Michigan to provide life-ending “care.”
“[A] health insurance policy shall not deny or limit coverage for an insured that intends to end the insured’s life in accordance with the death with dignity act,” the bill says.
Democrats told the media at the time that they understand assisted suicide to not only be acceptable, but an essential element of personal freedom.
“Granting individuals the autonomy to choose dignified end-of-life care is not just an act of compassion but a testament to the value of personal freedom,” Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, told the media at the time.
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Along with Singh, the bills were co-sponsored by Senators Mary Cavanagh, D-Redford, Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, Singh, and Veronica Klinefelt D-Eastpointe. In a joint news release, the Democrats emphasized the kinds of “regulations, safeguards, and considerations” that the bills include, such as additional licensing requirements and penalties for non-compliant physicians or insurance companies.
Cavanagh specifically mentioned that she knows many people who would have “benefitted” from assisted suicide.
“Patients deserve the trust and respect to make their own medical decisions, including the choice to determine their own timeline to end ongoing suffering during the oftentimes dark battle they face,” Cavanagh continued, calling it a “compassionate policy.”
If the bill package is passed, Michigan would become the 11th state in America to treat self-annihilation as a right to be supported by the state.