CHARLESTON, WV WOWK — In November, voters in West Virginia will decide on a controversial amendment to ban physician-assisted suicide. If approved, West Virginia would be the first state in the country to formally do so.
This amendment, House Joint Resolution 28, was quietly passed by lawmakers during the final hours of the 2024 legislative session and will be on the fall ballot. It proposes adding a clause to the state constitution that would prevent medical professionals from performing euthanasia or assisting in suicide.
Supporters, like bill co-sponsor Del. Chris Pritt R Kanawha, argue that this measure is necessary to protect vulnerable individuals who may be encouraged to commit suicide due to their illnesses. On the other hand, critics, including Del. Mike Pushkin D Kanawha, say the amendment is unnecessary because current laws already make assisted suicide illegal.
Despite the debate, the resolution passed with strong support, receiving 88 votes in favor and only 10 against in the House, and a similar margin in the Senate.
It’s important to note that even if physician-assisted suicide is banned, patients will still have the right to stop life-saving treatments or enforce Do Not Resuscitate orders.