Despite statewide grassroots opposition, the Ohio Senate this spring approved SB165, Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST), sponsored by Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Dayton). S.B. 165 would establish “medical orders for life sustaining treatment” or “MOLST” form for Ohio–a protocol created and promoted by pro-euthanasia groups. This form should more correctly be called “Medical Orders to REMOVE Life Sustaining Treatment!”
The bill is now in the House of Representatives’ Health & Aging Committee–
sponsor testimony this Wednesday, November 16th–and may be voted on before the General Assembly recesses before the end of the year.
Experience in other states has shown that MOLST (sometimes called POLST in other states: Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) bills have preceded assisted suicide bills.
A co-sponsor of SB 165, MOLST, Sen. Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus), has recently announced plans to introduce a version of the so-called “Death with Dignity Act”, legalizing assisted suicide, following on the heels of the passage of MOLST.
“This bill is dangerously flawed and could easily move Ohio one step closer to other bills legislating ‘end of life’ issues, like assisted suicide,” said Linda Theis, President, Ohio ProLife Action. “Other states have shown that to be true and we MUST contact our House leadership and members immediately with our concerns. This could be pushed through quickly. Please make contact without delay!”
ACTION
Contact the following to oppose bringing S.B. 165, MOLST for a vote:
Your Ohio Representative. To find who your representative is, click here
Ohio Speaker of the House, Rep. Cliff Rosenberger
Members of the House Health & Aging Committee
INFORMATION
See brochure Protecting Life Till Last Breath: Oppose Ohio MOLST for background information, basic talking points, and sample letter
See detailed list of specific concerns with S.B. 165, MOLST.
And/or review the bill with problems highlighted within the text.
To read an analysis of SB165 from the Patient’s Rights Council, CLICK HERE.
To read the comments of the Catholic Medical Association against MOLST type forms, CLICK HERE
To read the comments of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition against POLST, CLICK HERE.