FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2024
CONTACT: Julie Archer, President, LWVWV, (304) 610-9094, lwvofwv@gmail.com
League of Women Voters Urges NO Vote on Amendment 1
The League of Women Voters of West Virginia urges voters to reject Amendment 1 to “prohibit the practice of medically assisted suicide, euthanasia or mercy killing of a person.” The LWVWV finds the proposed amendment troubling for a number of reasons:
- The proposed language is vague and appears to conflict with current state law that already addresses this issue.
- The amendment is yet another example of the government attempting to interfere with very difficult and personal medical decisions. The LWV believes decisions on medical procedures that would prolong life should be made jointly by patient, family, and a licensed health care provider. Patient decisions, including those made prior to need, should be respected by our state government, not prohibited.
- Finally, Amendment 1 should be rejected as it relates to capital punishment. The Amendment states “nothing in this section prevents the State from providing capital punishment.” The LWV believes the death penalty should be abolished, which WV did in 1965. Amendment 1 clearly conflicts with this long standing law.
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About LWVWV: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League does not support particular political parties or candidates. League membership is open to all (not just women) age 16 or older.