Application of 'Death with Dignity' Law Circumstantial - Articles

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Application of 'Death with Dignity' Law Circumstantial

Posted by: Amelia Ferrell Knisely on Dec 28, 2015

The Tennessean examines the application of the state’s Right to Natural Death Act, stating the act was never intended to allow terminally ill patients to ask their physician for medication that would end their life. The act says that Tennesseans can “accept, refuse, withdraw from, or otherwise control decisions relating to the rendering of the person's own medical care, specifically including palliative care and the use of extraordinary procedures and treatment.” Attorney John Jay Hooker, whose death with dignity appeal was denied by the state’s Supreme Court, argues the state’s Constitution already allows residents to choose assisted suicide. "What's the difference between the doctor taking you off the essential ingredients to live and giving you some medicine that will speed up your death?" Hooker said. The Tennessean announced yesterday that Hooker has been named the 2015 Tennessean of the Year in recognition of his work fighting for more than 20 years for the constitutional rights of Tennesseans.