Current Law
On April 5, 2011, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed SB 1070a.
The new law (I.C. § 18-4017), which went into effect on July 1, 2011, made assisted suicide a felony in the state.
News Articles
“House panel passes end-of-life care bill”
(NECN — March 26, 2012)
An Idaho House committee has approved a bill ensuring dying patients receive the end-of-life care they or their families desire. The House State Affairs committee voted unanimously Monday to advance legislation that would bar medical personnel from dying life-prolonging treatment to patients who have requested them.
“Assisted Suicide Legislation Hits the Senate Floor”
( KIVI TV – - February 21, 2011 )
It’s a life and death issue that’s hitting the Statehouse: Physician-assisted-suicide and what the Idaho code should say about the topic. Assisted suicide is already legal in neighboring states and now the battle lines are being drawn in the Gem State. One Senator is setting out to make it clear: assisted suicide isn’t happening in this state. It’s not just a liberal versus conservative issue. It also affects medical care – and the Idaho Medical Association backs the bill.
Idaho lawmakers open door for end-of-life debate (2/4/11)
Senator Ross Fulcher says there is a national effort underway to create a “right” to assisted suicide for people who are dying and his bill aims to keep that movement from encroaching upon Idaho, which is already surrounded by states that allow some form of assisted suicide.
