All posts by Stephen Drake

The Olympian: “Physician-assisted suicide symptom of a broken system,” by Joelle Brouner

assisted suicide, Our News & Commentary Blog, Washington state

I received news of this excellent op-ed by disability activist Joelle Brouner late yesterday. I reserve my comments for the end of the article. Published September 28, 2007Physician-assisted suicide symptom of broken system Washington state is no place for the Oregon-style legalization of physician-assisted suicide. Many people with whom I frequently see eye to eye … Continue reading The Olympian: “Physician-assisted suicide symptom of a broken system,” by Joelle Brouner →

Latest Pro-Euthanasia Research Makes Headlines by Redefining Slippery Slope and Use of Soft Data

assisted suicide, blog recommendations, euthanasia, media issues, Netherlands, Oregon, Our News & Commentary Blog, research

Well, big “news” broke yesterday with the announcement of the publication of a study that claims to put an end to any idea of “abuses” under assisted suicide and euthanasia laws in Oregon and the Netherlands, respectively. The lead author is Margaret Battin, who is a long-time advocate of legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia, … Continue reading Latest Pro-Euthanasia Research Makes Headlines by Redefining Slippery Slope and Use of Soft Data →

Reuters: NIMBY in Switzerland (and misreporting assisted suicide law)

assisted suicide, media issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, Switzerland

Hot off the Press: Right-to-die group barred from premises ZURICH (Reuters) – Right-to-die group Dignitas has been barred from its premises in a Zurich suburb after neighbors objected to the use of the apartment for assisted suicides, the local council said Wednesday. It was the second blow for the non-profit association this year, after it … Continue reading Reuters: NIMBY in Switzerland (and misreporting assisted suicide law) →

Minimally Conscious State, Research, and the Elephant in the Living Room

bioethics, life-ending decisions, Our News & Commentary Blog, research

In early August, before we started this blog, there was a flurry of attention given to the latest research showing an intervention that brought about remarkable improvement in a man who was in a “minimally conscious state.” This is not the first development in this area to make the news, but it might have created … Continue reading Minimally Conscious State, Research, and the Elephant in the Living Room →

More on Vatican Statement on Tube Feeding – Reactions and Overreactions

bioethics, Our News & Commentary Blog, reality check, vegetative state

Last week, this blog briefly covered the news regarding the new statement from the Vatican clarifying the Church’s position on the obligation to provide food and water by artificial means in countries with advanced technology and resources. In the entry on the AJOB Bioethics Blog, Kelly Hills expresses these concerns: The clarification becomes important because … Continue reading More on Vatican Statement on Tube Feeding – Reactions and Overreactions →