November 7, 2012 - Cardinal Seán O’Malley Statement on Question 2*

“Tuesday’s vote demonstrates that the people of the Commonwealth recognize that the common good was best served in defeating Question 2.  The Campaign Against Physician Assisted Suicide brought together a diverse coalition from medical, disability rights and interfaith communities, all dedicated to ensuring that our residents were well informed about this issue.  Our society must continue to work with hospice organizations and other palliative care providers to improve the care provided to the terminally ill.  Patients are best served when the medical professionals, families and loved ones provide support and care with dignity and respect.   

I am grateful to Rosanne Meade, chair of the Committee Against Physician Assisted Suicide, who led this effort in collaboration with Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications,  Martilla Strategies and the four Catholic dioceses of Massachusetts. Also, the campaign was greatly strengthened by the work of Fr. Bryan Hehir, Janet Benestad, Scot Landry, Kathleen Driscoll and the Knights of Columbus, all of whom gave significant time and effort to this cause during recent months. I also want to thank every individual who shared information with their neighbors, colleagues and family members.  It is my hope and prayer that the defeat of Question 2 will help all people to understand that for our brothers and sisters confronted with terminal illness we can do better than offering them the means to end their lives."