All posts by Stephen Drake

Newsweek: Veterinarian Says We Should “Treat People Like Dogs”

health care reform, media coverage, Newsweek, Our News & Commentary Blog, pets, reality check, veterinarian

Out of all the newsweeklies on the market, Newsweek has published some of the most outrageous pieces regarding people with disabilities and euthanasia.  This week’s “My Turn” column by veterinarian Karen Oberthaler isn’t the worst thing they’ve published, but it immediately brought to mind one their “classic” pieces. Oberthaler’s essay attempts to make a case … Continue reading Newsweek: Veterinarian Says We Should “Treat People Like Dogs” →

Georgia: Grand Jury Indicts Four Members of Final Exit Network on Multiple Counts

assisted suicide, crime and punishment, final exit network, Our News & Commentary Blog

I missed this when the news hit yesterday, but things aren’t looking great for the members of the Final Exit Network (FEN). Here’s the gist of the news, from the second paragraph of the story from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: An indictment returned Tuesday charges the Final Exit Network along with co-founder Thomas “Ted” Goodwin, 64, … Continue reading Georgia: Grand Jury Indicts Four Members of Final Exit Network on Multiple Counts →

Jacob Appel: Bad Medical Historian, Questionable Ethicist or Just a “Spin Doctor?”

bioethics, euthanasia, infanticide, jacob appel, media coverage, medical decisionmaking, Netherlands, Our News & Commentary Blog, research, unethical ethicists

As a left-handed tribute to “bioethicist and medical historian” Jacob M. Appel, I have titled this blog entry as a question, leading uninformed readers to think maybe I will seriously analyze an issue with two or more sides.  In fact, as readers of this blog know, I have a definite viewpoint and people come to … Continue reading Jacob Appel: Bad Medical Historian, Questionable Ethicist or Just a “Spin Doctor?” →

Illinois: Kangaroo Hearing on “Presumed Consent” Organ Donation Bill Scheduled Today

bioethics, brain death, Illinois, kaylee wallace, legislation, organ donation, Our News & Commentary Blog, Ruben Navarro

From the Peoria Journal Star: Public can weigh in on organ donation bill Excerpt: PEORIA —A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday in Springfield to receive comment on state Sen. Dale Risinger’s bill to establish a presumed consent policy for organ donation in Illinois. Sometimes called the opt-out policy, presumed consent has been … Continue reading Illinois: Kangaroo Hearing on “Presumed Consent” Organ Donation Bill Scheduled Today →

UK: The Independent – “Disabled people need assistance to live, not die,” by Clair Lewis

advocacy, assisted suicide, clair lewis, crime and punishment, Homicide / 'Mercy Killing', media coverage, Our News & Commentary Blog, United Kingdom

By now, readers of this blog are probably getting familiar with the name and the writing of Clair Lewis.  Today is another chance to read what she has to say about the recent developments in the UK.  Writing in The Independent, Clair says “Disabled people need assistance to live, not die. “ Here’s the first … Continue reading UK: The Independent – “Disabled people need assistance to live, not die,” by Clair Lewis →