HELENA, Mont. (AP) — It could be a while before Montana doctors are willing to help terminally ill patients die even though the state Supreme Court says nothing in state law prevents physician-assisted suicide.
The high court’s decision made Montana the third state where it is legal, but the state has no specific laws outlining guidelines for doctors as seen in Oregon and Washington.
Montana doctors are on their own to determine how to proceed.
Doctors hope lawmakers will establish a legal framework. At the same time, though, opponents led by religious groups will be asking the Legislature to specifically make it illegal again.
Doctors say a lot of conversation will have to take place in the medical community to decide how best to proceed.
