The ESB is pleased to have Dr. Marcia Angell, a former ESB Humanist of the Year recipient, as our opening speaker of the 2012-2013 program year. A Senior Lecturer in the  at , Dr. Angell is a lead sponsor of the . She is a physician and a former Editor-in-Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr, Angell, a long-time leader in health care reform,  is now spearheading a group to put a measure before voters in 2012 to ensure “Death with Dignity”. The Massachusetts Death with Dignity coalition developed language for a ballot question that would expand end-of-life care choices for patients who are terminally ill. Sponsored by local physicians and community leaders, the Massachusetts Death with Dignity Act would allow individuals with six months or less to live to receive and self-administer, under strict safeguards, a prescription for life-ending medication.

“The proposed Massachusetts Death with Dignity Act would give terminally ill patients greater choice over how they die,” said petitioner Marcia Angell, MD. “It would create a legally sanctioned process for dying patients whose suffering cannot be adequately controlled to receive a prescription from a licensed physician to bring about a peaceful and dignified death. As a physician who has studied this issue over many years, I believe the people of Massachusetts are ready to consider giving suffering patients this option.”

Death with Dignity laws, which have been approved by voters in two states, recognize the right of individuals to make voluntary and informed decisions about end-of-life care. The proposed law contains comprehensive and strict safeguards to protect both patients and doctors. At her talk on Sunday, October 14, Dr. Angell will share her insights about the need for such legislation and what people can do to support its success at the polls..