We have obviously reached a turning point in the assisted suicide debate in Maryland. The legislation has been withdrawn in the Senate and, though unconfirmed, is likely to be withdrawn in the House. This happened because of incredible advocacy from a diverse coalition, and an unfailing drive to convey the real problems with the policy...
Read MoreWe are regaining momentum. After our Maryland House and Senate hearings, conveying strong opposition with clear and cogent points, we have plenty of work left to do. But we are confident in our progress, and the opposition to these proposals around the country is harder and harder to ignore. Just ask the people of Colorado. ...
Read MoreDuring the House committee hearing on HB 404, the lead proponent of the bill from Compassion and Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society) argued with a straight-face that requiring a patient to receive a mental health evaluation before they could qualify for physician assisted suicide would “unnecessarily slowdown” a patient’s access to assisted suicide. They cited...
Read MoreProponents of physician-assisted suicide struggled to answer the tough questions thrown at them at yesterday’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing on SB 418. The Committee met late into the night with Senators raising significant concerns with the bill and its lack of protections. The message from proponents, led by national group Compassion & Choices, was...
Read MoreRequiring a professional mental health evaluation would “unnecessarily slow down” patient’s access to physician assisted suicide. Terminal patients are in pain so this bill must be passed. [Including] too many regulatory requirements [in this bill] would make it impossible for a dying person to access death with dignity. It’s not falsifying the death certificate [by...
Read MoreFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kristen Cullen, 781-248-7154 Disability Groups Advocate against Physician Assisted Suicide Legislation February 19, 2016 – Annapolis, MD – Activists and stakeholders representing individuals with disabilities have joined with the Maryland Against Physician Assisted Suicide coalition in opposition of the “Aid in Dying” legislation that would legalize physician-assisted suicide in Maryland. House...
Read MoreWe are entering the most critical weeks of the assisted suicide debate in Maryland, and reviewing the most critical concerns – which remain unaddressed – is well worth our time. The role of depression in patients’ decisions on end-of-life care absolutely cannot be ignored. Why shouldn’t a depressed person receive treatment for that condition before...
Read MoreWe learned earlier this year that, despite failing last session, the relentless proponents of physician assisted suicide are trying to ram the legislation through again in Colorado. The latest updates on that state’s debate show a shocking development: The Legislature is still likely to reject assisted suicide. Again, though, remember: these folks simply don’t quit....
Read MoreWe have to stay vigilant in our effort to defeat physician assisted suicide, and perhaps even beyond that hopeful success. This is because even in states where the decision seems clear, the proponents of this misguided policy do not quit. In New York State, a court battle has been waged alongside the legislative one. The...
Read MoreAs we begin to advocate against the assisted suicide legislation, H.B.404 and S.B. 418, we need to recognize the commitment of Marylanders who are working hard to defeat the proposal. One such Marylander is Greg Kline – who wrote a comprehensive piece for the Maryland Reporter last week. We encourage you to give it a...
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