(NY Post) – Vermont became the second state in the nation Tuesday to allow terminally ill people from other states to travel there to die by suicide while under medical care.
The medically assisted suicide law that’s been around for decades in the state dropped its residency requirement after Republican Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill Tuesday.
Supporters of the law hailed the change though critics warned it could lead Vermont to become a “death tourism” spot.
Kim Callinan, president and CEO of Compassion & Choices, said in a statement that the non-profit was grateful Vermont lawmakers realized that “a state border shouldn’t determine if you die peacefully or in agony.”
“Patients routinely travel to other states to utilize the best healthcare options,” she added. “There is no rational reason they shouldn’t be able to travel to another state to access medical aid in dying if the state they live in doesn’t offer it.”
Opponents of the suicide law slammed it. CONTINUE