Category Archives: Our News & Commentary Blog

VICTORY IN CT! Second Thoughts CT leads successful effort to stop assisted suicide bill in committee

April 3, 2019"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, Cathy Ludlum, Connecticut, Joan Cavanagh, Lisa Blumberg, Our News & Commentary Blog, Second Thoughts Connecticut, Stephen Mendelsohn, TestimonyCathy Ludlum, John Kelly, Second Thoughts ConnectcutDiane Coleman

For the 5th time in 7 years, disability rights advocates, led by Second Thoughts CT , have thwarted a Connecticut bill – this time it was HB 5898 – to legalize assisted suicide. Not Dead Yet provided testimony and social media support, and New England Regional Director John Kelly joined the radio show “The Full … Continue reading VICTORY IN CT! Second Thoughts CT leads successful effort to stop assisted suicide bill in committee →

Cathy Ludlum: “We will be the collateral damage” of assisted suicide

March 28, 2019"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, Cathy Ludlum, Connecticut, Our News & Commentary Blog, Second Thoughts Connecticutaid in dying, assisted suicide, Cathy Ludlum, Connecticut, death with dignity, Second Thoughts ConnectcutDiane Coleman

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE Testimony regarding HB 5898 An Act Concerning Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients March 18, 2019 Senator Abrams, Rep. Steinberg, and members of the Public Health Committee: My name is Cathy Ludlum, and I am one of the leaders of Second Thoughts Connecticut, a group of people with disabilities and allies … Continue reading Cathy Ludlum: “We will be the collateral damage” of assisted suicide →

Here’s What Sheryl Grossman Sent Every Maryland Senator Today

March 25, 2019"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, Maryland, Our News & Commentary Blogaid in dying, assisted suicide, death with dignity, Sheryl GrossmanDiane Coleman

[Sheryl’s personal story and compelling message applies to EVERY STATE with an assisted suicide bill.] Dear Senator: As a disabled MD resident, I implore you to vote no on this very harmful legislation. What has been marketed as a bill increasing choice of those with terminal illness (who almost always meet the federal definition of … Continue reading Here’s What Sheryl Grossman Sent Every Maryland Senator Today →

We Call It the “DRM” – And It’s Needed More Than Ever

March 22, 2019"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, Disability Rights Movement, Our News & Commentary Blogaid in dying, assisted suicide, death with dignityDiane Coleman

I lived my first thirty years with no idea that the DRM existed. The Disability Rights Movement. It’s very existence turned my shame to pride. And the DRM has done that for millions of us, but millions more have no idea still. “Better Dead Than Disabled” – that message permeates our culture, in the looks … Continue reading We Call It the “DRM” – And It’s Needed More Than Ever →

Video of the Day of Mourning – A Quiet Call for Justice

February 28, 2019Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, center for disability rights, Day of Mourning, Homicide / 'Mercy Killing', Our News & Commentary BlogAutistic Self Advocacy Network, Center for Disability Rights, Day of Mourning, homicide, videoDiane Coleman

A month ago, we shared an announcement from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network asking people to participate in the annual Day of Mourning. On Friday, March 1st, the disability community will gather across the nation to remember these disabled victims of filicide – disabled people murdered by their family members or caregivers. In the year since … Continue reading Video of the Day of Mourning – A Quiet Call for Justice →