All posts by Stephen Drake

Minnesota Supreme Court Rules Online Suicide Predator Melchert-Dinkel Protected by First Amendment

March 21, 2014court cases, court decisions, Our News & Commentary Blog, suicideFinal Exit Network, Melchert-Dinkel, Minnesota Supreme Court, suicideStephen Drake

Yesterday, March 19th, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a decision that affects two cases in Minnesota. From the Christian Science Monitor: The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday reversed the convictions of a former nurse accused of encouraging two people whom he met online to kill themselves. The court ruled that the language in the state’s … Continue reading Minnesota Supreme Court Rules Online Suicide Predator Melchert-Dinkel Protected by First Amendment →

Some Victories and Welcome Developments This Week – Quebec and New Hampshire

March 7, 2014assisted suicide, Canada, euthanasia, legislation, New Hampshire, Our News & Commentary Blog, Quebecassisted suicide, Canada, euthanasia, legislation, New Hampshire, QuebecStephen Drake

A fair amount of news this week. Most of it is good news. And none of it’s really bad. First – the good. Not one, but three assisted suicide measures were voted down in New Hampshire! (You can read about specifics regarding the main bill – HB 1325 – here.) Here is info on 2 … Continue reading Some Victories and Welcome Developments This Week – Quebec and New Hampshire →

Response to NYT Front Page Public Relations “Article” Promoting Assisted Suicide

February 12, 2014assisted suicide, Compassion & Choices, media, New York Times, suicideaid in dying, assisted suicide, death with dignity, Erick Eckholm, media coverage, media issues, New York Times, propaganda, terminologyStephen Drake

(Editor’s note: The following is a revised version of an op-ed I drafted in response to the front page story published in the New York Times on February 8. ‘Aid in Dying’ Movement Takes Hold in Some States was written by reporter Erick Eckholm. We’ve been informed that that the Times isn’t considering any op-eds … Continue reading Response to NYT Front Page Public Relations “Article” Promoting Assisted Suicide →

Canada: Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet Release: Bill 52 And Suicide Prevention Week: Deadly Irony

February 3, 2014Amy Hasbrouck, assisted suicide, Canada, euthanasia, Quebec, Wesley SmithAmy Hasbrouck, assisted suicide, Canada, euthanasia, Quebec, suicide prevention, Wesley SmithStephen Drake

Press Release from Toujours-Vivant-Not Dead Yet: Bill 52 And Suicide Prevention Week: Deadly Irony VALLEYFIELD, QC, Feb. 1, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ – While Quebec marks suicide prevention week from February 2-8, disability rights activists believe Bill 52, which would allow euthanasia of ill and disabled people, undermines the public policy of suicide prevention. “There is … Continue reading Canada: Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet Release: Bill 52 And Suicide Prevention Week: Deadly Irony →

New Hampshire Assisted Suicide Bill Redefines “Terminal Condition” Broadly Enough to Make Anyone With a Significant Disability or Chronic Condition Eligible

January 31, 2014assisted suicide, legislation, New Hampshire, slippery slopeassisted suicide, legislation, New Hampshire, slippery slopeStephen Drake

If the title to this post sounds familiar, it should. Not for the first time, a “Death With Dignity” bill is being considered by the legislature. On the face of it, it’s still a bill that would restrict “eligibility” for getting lethal doses in order to commit suicide to people with “terminal conditions.” But when … Continue reading New Hampshire Assisted Suicide Bill Redefines “Terminal Condition” Broadly Enough to Make Anyone With a Significant Disability or Chronic Condition Eligible →