In this year's election, voters went against nearly all of the ballot initiatives backed by Catholic leaders and advocates, except referendums on minimum wage increases and gun control measures in four states.

Euthanasia is occurring in Quebec at three times the rate the government predicted, but obtaining accurate statistics on medically assisted deaths across Canada is almost impossible and could lead to abuse, according to opponents of the practice.

This bill discriminates against our African-American and Hispanic neighbors, sick seniors, the disabled, the uninsured and all who are vulnerable in our community, said Michael Scott, director of the D.C. Catholic Conference.

"We're talking about killing a human being," said Aubert Martin, executive director of a grassroots anti-euthanasia organization. "This is criminal."

The poor, minorities and disability activists are the most vocal opponents of assisted suicide.

Opponents say the bill is flawed because it endangers "high-risk" populations, including the elderly, the uninsured and underinsured, the homeless, low-income individuals and those with intellectual disabilities.