OPINION|Phil Paleologos: Assisted Suicide Rebound

It can be one of the most difficult and gut-wrenching decision to make when you are dealing with someone who is terminally ill.

In 2012, by a slim margin of 51 to 49 percent, voters said no to allowing a doctor to prescribe a fatal dose of medication to a terminally ill patient.

The topic of physician-assisted suicide came up again on Beacon Hill a few days ago and it is once again in the spotlight.

Recently, a group of Massachusetts physicians held a press conference to loudly voice their opposition to a bill seeking to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Some say legalizing physician-assisted suicide isn't about giving patients aid in dying, but rather it's about giving doctors the right to end life.

Will the very poor, the destitute and the hopeless disabled be in danger because they may be convinced to end their lives in order to avoid very expensive and prolonged treatment?

Since 2012, when this issue was narrowly defeated, Beacon Hill lawmakers have been crafting and advocating for the passage of House Bill 1194. So far, the bill has 39 co-sponsors and when asked about the bill's passage, House Speaker Robert DeLeo said he hasn't spoken to many of the House members.

On the other hand, Stan Rosenberg said he personally favors the bill. Governor Charlie Baker said he'd start from the point of view of the state's voters, who opposed it in the statewide ballot.

There are strong arguments on both sides, but based on your personal beliefs, do you think this state needs to allow for physician-assisted suicide? And more specifically, do you think you should have the right to die via physician-assisted suicide?

Phil Paleologos is a talk show host on WBSM and can be heard Monday through Friday from 6-10 a.m. His opinions are solely his own.