Opposing California’s Physician-Assisted Suicide Law (ABX2-15)
A referendum effort is now underway to overturn California’s new physician-assisted suicide law, and the Diocese of Orange has prepared two documents to assist in this important effort.
About the New Law (ABX2-15)
On October 5, 2015, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed ABX2-15 into law, making it legal for physicians to prescribe a lethal dose of drugs to assist terminally ill patients in taking their own lives.
Originally known as SB 128, the bill was pulled from consideration in July by the Assembly Health Committee when its sponsors conceded that it didn’t have enough support. Soon thereafter, it was considered and quickly passed in a special session, so lawmakers did not have time to fully consider the complex financial, medical, ethical, and public policy questions involved in end-of-life care.
Diocesan Resources to Assist the Referendum Effort
The Diocese of Orange has prepared two documents to help inform the faithful and assist in the referendum effort to overturn this law. Each document is available as a PDF for viewing, sharing, and downloading.
- New Messaging and Talking Points for California’s Physician-Assisted Suicide Law(This document provides key messages for discussing the issue with others.)
- Frequently Asked Questions: ABX2-15 / Legalized Physician-Assisted Suicide?(This document provides detailed answers to common questions about the new law.)