I-1000 touts WSMA procedural support

Supporters of Initiative 1000, the ballot measure that would legalize assisted suicide in the state for terminally ill patients, are touting the backing of the Washington State Medical Association on the initiative's medical safeguards.

The WSMA supports the following requirements for a patient to qualify for the lethal dose permitted by the "Death with Dignity Act": "a terminal illness; suffering that the patient considers intolerable; age of at least 18 years; a determination of mental competency; evidence that the request is persistent, voluntary, and free from undue influence; evidence that reasonable palliative treatment has been offered; and a concurring opinion by a second physician."

A Seattle Times report from Monday shined light on the fact that despite the WSMA having come out against I-1000 in July, the decision was made without the input of its 7,000 members, and since then many have come out in support of the initiative.

I-1000 has been one of the state's highest profile initiatives this election because of the strong feelings on both sides of the issue, and its proponents have raised nearly $2 million so far this cycle and spent more than $1.5 million.