NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new chapter is being written in Tennessee's long-standing debate over medically assisted suicide as Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville) sponsors legislation aimed at giving terminally ill patients the right to die on their own terms. This move follows the failure of similar legislation last year, but advocates argue it's time for Tennessee to reconsider its stance on assisted dying, which is permitted in ten states and Washington, D.C.
Rep. Freeman, drawing from personal experiences of loss and suffering, believes strongly in the moral obligation to help terminally ill patients die with dignity. "This is not for people who are in a dark place or having drug addiction problems or are mentally ill. These are people who are never going to get up and walk out of the hospital again, and we should be able to help them die with dignity," he stated, emphasizing the humane aspect of the proposed bill.
The impetus for the bill was Freeman’s observations of friends and family suffering from terminal diseases, including his own grandmother, who expressed her desire to die after prolonged suffering. "She looked at me one day and was like, ‘I’m ready to go,’ and her only solution was to stop eating and stop taking her medicine," he recalled. Such personal stories reveal why many see assisted dying as necessary for compassionate care at the end of life.
Under Freeman's proposal, patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses and projected to live six months or less would qualify for medication to end their lives. A physician must confirm the patient’s sound mind, and the decision must be voluntary, documented, and witnessed. The legislation also requires informed consent and counseling by mental health professionals to protect vulnerable individuals from coercion.
Freeman's bill includes numerous safeguards. He commented, "Somebody would come in and have a conversation with them to make sure this is actually what they want to do; they’re not being coerced. There are tons of checks and balances." Notably, discussions with hospice care providers have reportedly revealed support for the measure.
Contrastingly, opposition voices have resurged against such legislation. Will Brewer, attorney and lobbyist for Tennessee Right to Life, articulated the common concern: "If you polled 100 people, 100 people would be against suicide. This is the same idea... all we are doing is helping people die." Such sentiments echo the broader ethical discussions surrounding assisted suicide, with critics claiming it undermines the Hippocratic oath's commitment to 'do no harm.'
Brewer emphasizes the potential societal and ethical hazards of legalizing assisted dying. "There are financial incentives for premature death; feelings of coercion from doctors and families could lead to patients ending their lives too soon," he warned.
The political climate around assisted suicide has shown some shifts as well. Polls reveal varying levels of support based on how the question is framed—when the term “suicide” is used, overall approval drops significantly. A new Gallup poll shows 71% of Americans favor allowing doctors to end patients’ lives at request, but support wanes to 66% when assisted dying is labeled suicide.
The issue dates back years, as highlighted by the struggle of John Jay Hooker, who battled terminal cancer and sought legal recognition for his right to die. Ten years prior, Hooker, alongside lawyers and supportive medical professionals, fought for what he believed was enshrined within the Tennessee Constitution. Despite his efforts, the court dismissed his case on procedural grounds before Hooker passed away. His attorney, Hal Hardin, reflected, "If he had won this case and received the prescription, he probably would not have used it. Thirty-three percent of people who receive such prescriptions never utilize them, just having the option provides comfort."
Hooker’s legal battle stirred public consciousness about the right to die, and Hardin remains hopeful about future legislation. "I think one day this will pass. It’s all part of bringing awareness; people will recognize there’s no downside to this," he said.
The conversation around medically assisted suicide continues to challenge Tennessee's legal and ethical frameworks. While advocates call for compassion and choice for those facing unbearable suffering, opponents warn of potential drawbacks, framing the issue as one interconnected with fundamental questions about life, death, and the role of medicine.
With both legislative efforts and public opinion swaying, Tennessee's future could see significant changes to its approach toward end-of-life choices. Whether Rep. Freeman's bill will gain traction this legislative session remains to be seen, but the intense debate signals growing urgency to address the needs and rights of terminally ill patients.