June 9, 2025

CMA members played a key role in the American Medical Association’s (AMA) decision to continue to oppose physician assisted suicide (PAS) during its annual meeting in Chicago despite efforts to pressure the association to drop its longstanding opposition.

“The role of CMA members and others who value ethical medicine in America is clearly evident in this victory,” said CMA President Dr. Michelle Stanford. “Similar advocacy efforts will continue with this, and other ethical issues related to health care in America. Our patients and those who care for them deserve no less.”

CMA members, who are also AMA members, took an active role in the proceedings that determined the AMA’s decision. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the AMA Ethics and Bylaws Reference Committee heard testimony from members related to a report about PAS by the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA). Important recommendations found in that report included AMA’s continued opposition to assisted suicide and the avoidance of using terminology such as “medical aid in dying”.

Both of those recommendations were supported with in-person testimony from many CMA members, including both physicians and medical students. In addition, an even greater number of CMA/AMA members submitted online comments in support of the report. The number of online comments in support greatly outnumbered those opposed.

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CMA Celebrates AMA’s Decision to Oppose PAS – Catholic Medical Association