The vote was 6-3. I haven’t read the decision, but it appears from this early news report, that the Court has ruled that the Feds have no right to implement its own public policy against prescribing controlled substances to kill people if those who want to die are very sick. How ironic. The Feds can go after medical marijuana users, when that drug is used to palliate suffering. But it can’t go after doctors who prescribe controlled substances to intentionally kill. Here is a link to the majority opinion. Here is a link to Scalia’s dissent. And Thomas’s dissent.
This is just another way of saying that human life doesn’t matter simply because it is human, but that it matters only when the life in question passes quality of life muster. Thus, under this line of thinking, if a state legalized, say, the prescription of controlled substances for suicide based on a suicidal woman’s children dying, the feds would not have to go along?
Scalia, in dissent, points out a truth that intentionally causing death is not a medical act.
But don’t confuse the majority opinion with truth. What is really happening is the Court, as it often does in cultural issues, is reflecting elite liberal views, and if nothing else, the drive to legalize assisted suicide is an elite liberal political movement.
Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.
First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.
Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.
Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com..
First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.
