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Delegate Susan McComas Opposes PAS

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Maryland State House

Last Friday, Maryland Delegate Susan McComas announced her opposition to physician-assisted suicide in an Op-Ed published by The Aegis, stating that: “there are better options than suicide for the terminally ill.” Del. McComas is referencing the physician-assisted suicide legislation – HB 399 and SB 311 – that was recently filed in Maryland seeking to legalize the practice. As she mentioned in her op-ed, this is the fourth time this legislation has been filed, having previously failed to pass in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

In her op-ed, Del. McComas detailed why exactly she has opposed this legislation every time it has been filed:

“I have heard all the arguments to support the bill, but I am unconvinced. I worry about those unintended consequences that would place the most vulnerable and defenseless among us in the heart-wrenching position of trying to avoid being a burden to their loved ones, a drain on family finances, and in horrible pain.

No one wants to suffer a horrible death to be sure, but there is something tragic about someone taking their own life. It telegraphs the failure of love and hope and belittles their uniquely wonderful and precious existence. Maryland has repealed the death penalty for murder, multiple killings and a massive terrorist attack.

Yet this bill would allow Marylanders in poor health, emotionally fragile, and vulnerable, to seek medical professionals to aid in their untimely death. More importantly, this bill sets the stage for families to encourage their elders to end their lives for self-serving and manipulative reasons far beyond the issues perceived on its face.”

With bill hearings taking place on Friday, February 15th and Tuesday, February 19th, Del. McComas’ public opposition to physician-assisted suicide is a much-valued addition to our efforts to defeat this legislation. If you would like to contact your legislator or submit testimony regarding these bills, please email us at campaign@stopassistedsuicideMD.org.

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