Some Bisbee residents want terminally ill adults to be able to commit assisted suicide without fear of prosecution. The Bisbee City Council is scheduled to hear the resolution this Tuesday evening.
According to Arizona law, it’s a felony to intentionally provide the physical means that another person uses to commit suicide, with the knowledge of that persons intent. The proposed resolution urges the Cochise County Attorney to de-prioritize prosecuting people for the offense.
One of the residents behind the proposal Sharon Rock said the ultimate goal is to pass a state assisted-suicide law.
“It will help protect our citizens from being prosecuted when we think that's just creating another victim," she said.
Rock and other activists are working toward a state assisted-suicide law similar to those in Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
Criminal defense attorney David Kephart has represented Arizona clients charged with this crime.
He’s concerned the resolution may give some a false sense of security.
“They might think that they are doing something that’s legal or legally justified, but in fact they could be prosecuted," Kephart said.
The City of West Hollywood passed a similar resolution last year. Activists in Tucson are working to bring a related proposal to the city council in the fall.
