Category Archives: media issues

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), Disability Community Statement on Sentencing of Kelli Stapleton

abuse, ASAN, autism, Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, court cases, crime and punishment, media issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, , , , ,

On October 7th, Kelli Stapleton will be sentenced for First Degree Child Abuse in a Michigan courtroom.  The following is a summary of the facts written by attorney Samantha Crane regarding Kelli Stapleton’s attempt to kill her autistic daughter and the aftermath in the media and public discourse.  It provides the background and context for … Continue reading Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), Disability Community Statement on Sentencing of Kelli Stapleton →

Let’s Have a REAL Discussion: Bioethicists Preach, Fail to Teach on Brain Death

bioethics, brain death, brain injury, media coverage, media issues, medical issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, , , , ,

By now, most readers of this blog are probably familiar with the story of Jahi McMath, a 13-year-old girl who underwent surgery on December 9, 2013 at Oakland Children’s Hospital.  During post-op recovery, she started bleeding.  Eventually, she went into cardiac arrest. She was then put on a ventilator. Two days later doctors made a … Continue reading Let’s Have a REAL Discussion: Bioethicists Preach, Fail to Teach on Brain Death →

Arizona Daily Star: Derek Humphry and Columnist Push “New Frontier” on Assisted Suicide

Arizona, assisted suicide, Derek Humphry, final exit network, george exoo, media coverage, media issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, suicide, suicide prevention, , , , , , , , ,

I have to preface this article with an admission.  I had a lot to do with how this article turned out.  Columnist Tim Steller called Diane Coleman Friday (Nov 1) afternoon wanting to interview her about an upcoming visit to the area by Derek Humphry, who would apparently be talking about assisted suicide for people … Continue reading Arizona Daily Star: Derek Humphry and Columnist Push “New Frontier” on Assisted Suicide →

RELEASE: 30 National Disability Organizations Led by NDY Decrying ‘Deadly Consequences’ Segment

disability, disability rights advocates, Dr. Phil, involuntary euthanasia, media issues, mercy killing, Our News & Commentary Blog

Thirty national disability organizations blast “Deadly Consequences” segment of the Dr. Phil show On May 29, thirty national disability organizations lead by Not Dead Yet issued a letter to the Dr. Phil Show, criticizing its April 13th segment entitled “Deadly Consequences.”  Rochester, NY (PRWEB) May 30, 2012  On May 29, thirty national disability organizations lead … Continue reading RELEASE: 30 National Disability Organizations Led by NDY Decrying ‘Deadly Consequences’ Segment →

The Death of Christina Symanski – John Kelly and Bill Peace on Media, Perspective, Wrong Questions and Ignored Issues

bill peace, Christina Symanski, dehydration, john kelly, media coverage, media issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, quadriplegia, starvation, suicide, VSED

John Kelly is the Director of the recently-formed Second Thoughts, a Massachusetts-based group of disability rights advocates opposing the legalization of assisted suicide. The essay below refers mainly to an article on Christina Symanski that appeared in the Huffington Post, originally in the sites “Weird News” section.  Symanski was a young woman who starved and … Continue reading The Death of Christina Symanski – John Kelly and Bill Peace on Media, Perspective, Wrong Questions and Ignored Issues →