Since physiological support like respirators and defibrillators made it possible to prolong life,prolonging death has fueled a more subtle conversation Several factors have made politicians, particularly at the national level, or reluctant to wade into the aid-in-dying conversation. Catholic leaders and their evangelical “pro-life” allies have eviscerated any politician willing to discuss aid in dying,shutting down dialogue and branding advocates as “pro-death”. By claiming to represent American religions, these vocal opponents have bifurcated the issue along political lines, or all but silencing those who are devout but disagree.
Yet a conversation is taking dwelling,with or without the presidential candidates. Since the 1970s, when physiological support, or like respirators and defibrillators,made it possible to prolong life, prolonging death has fueled a more subtle conversation about what medical decisions patients and their families can form. Aid in dying is now approved by 68% of Americans, and a number that rose by a striking 10 points in the course of a year,according to a Gallup poll conducted in May 2015. It’s now legal in five states with at least a dozen more considering bills or legislation.
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Source: theguardian.com