Category Archives: ableism

Matt Valliere On the Many Harms of Medical Quality of Life Judgments

On November 2, Newsweek published an excellent op-ed by Matt Valliere, Executive Director of the Patients Rights Action Fund (PRAF), entitled The Brutal, Tragic, Consequences of Quality of Life Judgements. Though PRAF’s mission is focused on opposing assisted suicide laws, the op-ed does an uncommonly good job discussing other discriminatory and harmful medical practices that … Continue reading Matt Valliere On the Many Harms of Medical Quality of Life Judgments

Carol Cleigh Sutton: Ableism Is Violence

Listening to the other presenters, many of whom  mentioned ableism, but most especially to the names being read – for more than an hour – during the Disability Day of Mourning, something I’ve known for years snapped into focus and demanded to be written: Ableism is Violence. The problem is Abled Chauvinism. Like men vis … Continue reading Carol Cleigh Sutton: Ableism Is Violence

Second Thoughts CT Leader Cathy Ludlum Interviewed On Opposing Assisted Suicide

Second Thoughts CT leader Cathy Ludlum on opposing assisted suicide: “there is no safeguard that can counter the social stigma of needing help with intimate care.” By John B. Kelly On January 14, Second Thoughts CT leader Cathy Ludlum joined WPLR host John Voket on his show “For the People” to explain why legalized assisted … Continue reading Second Thoughts CT Leader Cathy Ludlum Interviewed On Opposing Assisted Suicide

Diane Coleman: What the COVID Crisis Tells Us About the Dangers of Assisted Suicide

The COVID pandemic revealed that people with disabilities have been denied treatment for the virus due to their disabilities and pervasive biases about their “quality of life”. This denial of care raises the very real issue that persons with disabilities are and will face similar discrimination under assisted suicide laws. Healthcare providers are the gatekeepers … Continue reading Diane Coleman: What the COVID Crisis Tells Us About the Dangers of Assisted Suicide

Audrey Ignatoff: Let’s Win the War Against Bullying of Disabled People!

An important and groundbreaking bill, NJ A4519 was introduced into the New Jersey Legislature by Representative Daniel Benson, and cosponsored by Representatives Valerie Huttle and Anthony Verrelli. This bill, “AN ACT concerning the bullying of disabled persons”, will extend the statute of limitations for disabled minors and adults who have been bullied, abused, exploited, and neglected. … Continue reading Audrey Ignatoff: Let’s Win the War Against Bullying of Disabled People!