Drawing on the reproductive justice model, women's health advocates might shape the
right-to-die movement by bringing more diverse constituents to the policymaking table, supporting safeguards against abuses, and promoting less-restrictive policies regarding access to aid in dying.
The federation was founded in 1980 (conferences were held in 1976 and 1978 before the group officially formed) and consists of fifty-two
right-to-die organizations from twenty-four countries.
* COURAGEOUS:
Right-to-die campaigner Tony Nicklinson
The
right-to-die movement has grown and now enjoys the support of a large majority of Americans.
Right-to-die organisations have been quick to react to the Federal Council's proposals.
A Pew Research Center Poll released earlier this year reported that 84 percent of the country supports
right-to-die laws.
After an impassioned seven-hour debate, peers blocked controversial
right-to-die legislation amid fears that it would be open to abuse.
SUPPORTERS of controversial
right-to-die legislation are set to clash with top doctors, faith leaders and leading Anglican bishops in the House of Lords today.
A fundamentalist Christian or conservative Roman Catholic who, for example, opposes "
right-to-die" laws, could ignore a patient's "do not resuscitate" order or refuse to remove feeding tubes, ventilators or other equipment from a patient, even if that person has a "living will" and list of advance directives.
Advances in the Human Genome Project, increased knowledge of the Nazi atrocities against persons with disabilities, and recent court decisions regarding the
right-to-die have combined to foster the existing controversy.