After much anticipation and preparation, our partnership with Patient Choices Vermont is revving up and the public debate has begun.

Yesterday, two informative articles were published in major Vermont media outlets, and more will be popping up in the next few weeks as we get closer to the bill being introduced. Here's some of what they had to say:

Seven Days:

Unlike in past years, when it failed to take hold in Vermont, "death with dignity" now has an important ally: the governor. Newly sworn-in Gov. Peter Shumlin pledged support for right-to-die legislation during the 2010 campaign, and, as a state senator the year before, he cosponsored S.144, "An Act Relating to Patient Choice and Control at the End of Life."

The Oregon-based Death With Dignity National Center has targeted Vermont as the most likely state for a legislative victory this year. In December, Peg Sandeen, the center's executive director, flew from Portland to Montpelier for multiple meetings with lobbyists, grassroots activists, and Shumlin himself.

After the trip, Sandeen posted a confident prediction on the organization's website: "Vermont will be the next state with a Death With Dignity law," she wrote. "Every element is in place. Every player has a plan of action. Every commitment has been fulfilled. Everyone interested in Death With Dignity should turn their eyes toward Vermont."

"Dignity" supporters such as Dick Walters say that terminally ill patients should have the right to end their own suffering. The 85-year-old retiree — a resident at Wake Robin in Shelburne — is the founder of Patient Choices Vermont, which is lining up cosponsors for the legislation and expects a bill will be introduced later this month.

Read the full article on their site!

Times Argus:

Later this month, lawmakers in the Vermont House of Representatives will introduce a near replica of the Death with Dignity Act passed by Oregon legislators 13 years ago. As far as terminology, the Oregon Department of Human Services adopted a policy in 2006 that bans the term "physician-assisted suicide" when referring to people who avail themselves of the law.

With a supportive speaker in a Democratically controlled House and a vocal proponent in the governor's office, Walters' organization, which has a 6,000-person mailing list, is prepared to launch a concerted lobbying effort on the bill's behalf.

"We have a large group of active people from around the state who want to see this passed and feel this is the time it will go through," Walters says.

Entire article available on their site (paid subscription required).

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