MONTPELIER, Vt., Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Vermont Senate today voted 17-13 to override the Senate Judiciary Committee's recommendation on S.B. 48, a bill to allow mentally competent, terminally ill Vermonters the option of choosing aid in dying. The following statement can be attributed to Kathryn Tucker, Director of Legal Affairs for Compassion & Choices, the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life. Tucker testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of the bill on February 6.

"Today's vote is an important step for patients, families and doctors who support choice and autonomy. The Vermont Senators' vote reflects the views of a great majority of Vermonters, who overwhelmingly support aid in dying. Citizens want to control their lives, up to the moment they die, without government interference in their private healthcare choices. Today's Senate vote supports giving individuals the opportunity to make deeply personal medical decisions based on their own values and beliefs.

"We are pleased that the full Senate will continue debate on the aid-in-dying measure. Beyond Vermont, end-of-life choice is advancing in at least seven other states this year.

"Compassion & Choices is proud to work alongside Patient Choices Vermont and our many supporters throughout the state who, along with Governor Peter Shumlin, were instrumental in this important legislative victory."

Compassion & Choices provides support, education and advocacy to improve care at the end of life. To request client services or for more information, call 800.247.7421 toll-free or visit www.CompassionAndChoices.org. All services are free of charge, and confidentiality is strictly protected.

Contact: Gwen Fitzgerald, gfitzgerald@compassionandchoices.org
(O) 800.247.7421 or (M) 202-669-6587

SOURCE Compassion & Choices