Montana
We won the battle to keep aid in dying legal in Montana!
After a tense legislative session, the Montana Senate tabled HB 505, a bill that would have imprisoned doctors for up to 10 years for providing aid in dying to terminally ill patients. Thanks to our outstanding local campaign team and advocates, including bold spokesperson Dr. Eric Kress, Montana remains the third state with legal aid in dying.
Montanans were guaranteed this right in the 2009 Baxter et al v. Montana case, when the Montana Supreme Court held that the state constitution protects a peaceful death with dignity.
Since then, we’ve engaged the Montana Board of Medical Examiners to integrate aid in dying as a part of standard medical practice, despite opponents’ attempts to stop it. Focused community organizing throughout Montana has caused an increase in patients talking with their doctors. More and more doctors are willing to engage, and pharmacists are securing access to the necessary medication.
As seen with HB 505, or “The Physician Imprisonment Act of 2013,” opponents continually threaten to undermine Montanans’ right to access legal aid in dying. But Compassion & Choices’ on-the-ground advocates will keep fighting to fend them off.
Recent Developments
HB 505, introduced during the 2013 session, not only would have unraveled the Baxter decision and rolled back the end-of-life freedom currently available to all Montanans, it threatened participating doctors with 10 years in prison.
HB 505 Press Release 2/19/2013
HB 505 Press Release 2/27/2013
HB 505 Press Release 2/28/2013
HB 505 Press Release 3/18/2013
HB 505 Press Release 3/20/2013
HB 505 Press Release 4/3/2013
HB 505 Press Release 4/8/2013
HB 505 Press Release 4/11/2013
HB 505 Press Release 4/11/2013
Action Needed
Please contact members of the Montana Legislature and thank them for rejecting HB505, which would have imprisoned doctors for honoring terminally ill patients’ end-of-life wishes. Or, follow this link to our advocacy tool that will help you write a letter to your representatives in one easy step. We want them to know how important this right is to Montanans. Thank you for your help and for supporting continued freedom at the end of life!
Recent Press
Dr. Eric Kress’ op-ed in the Missoula Independent. Click here to read the op-ed.
ABC News coverage of HB 505. Click here to read the story.
Dr. Kress Radio Ad
Dr. Eric Kress explains why he opposed HB 505. Click here to listen.
No on HB 505 Print Ads
Print ad featuring Dr. Eric Kress and eight other Montana physicians opposing HB 505.
Click here to view the PDF.
Emergency call for action from Montana doctors.
Click here to view the PDF.
Contact Your Legislator
Use this link to help you write to your state and federal legislators, and tell them how you feel about aid-in-dying legislation in Montana. It is quick, easy and very important. Please speak out today and help us ensure end-of-life choice to all patients.
Contact your legislator
Write a Letter to the Editor
Use our handy guide to help you craft a letter to local or national news outlets, one of the best ways to make your voice heard.
View the Guide
Documents for Download
If your end-of-life plans aren’t in place yet, download and complete the following advance directive:
Montana State-Approved Advance Directive
Poll: Montana Shows Wide Support for Aid-In-Dying
Montana Aid-In-Dying Fact Sheet-Jan. 2010
Emily Bentley,Contact Information
Contact the Compassion & Choices Montana Campaign Manager:
Emily Bentley
EBentley@compassionandchoices.org
Compassion & Choices Montana
PO Box 1348
Helena, MT 59624
406.546.6552
Upcoming Events
No events scheduled at this time. Please contact Emily Bentley to hear about upcoming gatherings or volunteer opportunities.
