BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – The North Dakota House Human Services Committee has heard testimony on a bill that would legalize medically assisted suicide for those with a terminal illness.
Mark Schneider, a well-known attorney in Fargo for more than 40 years, said, “no one can speak of dying with dignity more credibly than someone who is dying…I fill that bill. I am dying.” He has terminal cancer and supports the bill.
He told the committee, “the end game will render me an empty shadow of my former self. Quality of life then? Impossible.” He said he should have the right to say “enough is enough.”
Christopher Dodson, executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference was among several groups who spoke against the bill.
He said, “the reason assisting a suicide is a crime in North Dakota is because of our commitment that every life matters.
The committee took no action on the bill.
Eight states, the District of Columbia, and Canada already have similar laws.
