United States: Will Assisted Suicide Soon Be Illegal in Montana?

Currently in effect is a 2009 ruling by the State Supreme Court, which declared that assisted suicide is not "contrary to public policy" and that consent to such an act constitutes a defense to criminal prosecution.

During the debate, Senator Carl Glimm raised the case of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who were "driven to suicide." He also pointed out that people with physical or intellectual disabilities risk being "targeted."

Senator Daniel Emrich emphasized that "it is false to believe that this is a peaceful way to pass away. The prescribed drug cocktails contain paralytics that will cause them to suffocate and die." These paralytics are administered to "hide the fact that these people are agitated."

Dr. Bernadette Flood, an Irish pharmacist, had previously warned of complications due to "certain drugs used in assisted suicide and/or euthanasia." These drugs are no longer used in executions of death row inmates, "some people having experienced 'burning' sensations throughout their bodies before their death."

Finally, Senator Bob Phalen questioned how Montana law can stop lethal injections for death row inmates out of fear that the drugs could cause suffering or prolong the execution, while still supporting "medical aid in dying."

The bill passed by a vote of 29 to 20 and must now be submitted to the House of Representatives. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill on March 25, a preliminary step before a vote. The effective date is scheduled for July 1, according to the Montana state website FastDemocracy, but a vote and the governor's signature are still required.