Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
West Virginia voters on Tuesday narrowly approved a constitutional amendment that adds a prohibition on medically assisted suicide to the state’s constitution. Amendment 1 passed with 50.5% of voters voting for the measure, and 49.5% opposing it, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office.
Medically assisted suicide is already illegal in West Virginia.
The amendment adds to the bill of rights a line that says, “No person, physician, or health care provider in the State of West Virginia shall participate in the practice of medically assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing of a person.”
It goes on to say that nothing in the section prohibits giving a prescription of medication to alleviate pain or discomfort, prohibit the withholding or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment, and nothing in the section prevents the state using capital punishment.Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, championed the amendment, calling it a proactive measure to ensure that medically assisted suicide does not one day become legal in West Virginia.
Pat McGeehan on
“It was a great night for West Virginia,” McGeehan said Wednesday of the election results. “I appreciate the support for Amendment 1. Amendment 1’s approval will prevent the terrible scourge of euthanasia from ever gaining a foothold in our great state. Going forward, we’ve helped set an example for other states to follow.”
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition thanks Pat McGeehan for launching and successfuly carrying this initiative. Pat McGeehan also won his re-election to the West Virginia House of Delegates representing District 1. We also thank Mary Tillman and the West Virginian Alliance for Ethical Health Care.
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