Category Archives: aid in dying

NDY Comment on Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association’s Statement on “MAiD”

July 5, 2024aid in dying, assisted suicide, health disparities, hospice, ira byock, Lisa Blumberg, long term services and supports, MAID, Our News & Commentary Blog, palliative care, public comment, suicide preventionassisted suicide, Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, medical aid in dying, medical discrimination, public comment, Section 504Diane Coleman

Not Dead Yet Comment on HPNA’s Statement on “Medical Aid in Dying” July 5, 2024 Not Dead Yet is a national disability rights organization focused on combatting disability based healthcare discrimination, particularly in the context of advanced or terminal illness. We are extremely disappointed that HPNA [Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association] would consider adopting a … Continue reading NDY Comment on Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association’s Statement on “MAiD” →

Ellen Leigh: Activists within the disability rights community have justifiable fears

June 28, 2024ableism, aid in dying, assisted suicide, letters to the editor, Massachusetts, Our News & Commentary Blog, Second Thoughtsassisted suicide, Letter to the Editor, medical aid in dying, Second ThoughtsDiane Coleman

Second Thoughts Massachusetts member Ellen Leigh’s excellent letter appeared in the Boston Globe today: Jeff Jacoby’s column “For assistance in dying, please press 1” warns against the legalization of assisted suicide, especially highlighting its significant risks. As a disabled person, I share these concerns deeply. Activists within the disability rights community fear that legalized assisted … Continue reading Ellen Leigh: Activists within the disability rights community have justifiable fears →

Don’t Forget: Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2024abuse, ageism, aid in dying, assisted suicide, domestic violence, elder abuse, National Council On Aging, Our News & Commentary Blogaid in dying, assisted suicide, elder abuse, World Elder Abuse Awareness DayDiane Coleman

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. According to the National Council On Aging: Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. Some estimates range as high as five million elders who are abused each year. One study estimated that only one in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. … In almost 60% of elder … Continue reading Don’t Forget: Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day →

Boston Globe: “For assistance in dying, please press 1”

June 13, 2024"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, better dead than disabled, boston globe, john kelly, Liz Carr, Massachusetts, Our News & Commentary Blog, Second Thoughts, slippery slope, United Kingdomassisted suicide, assisted suicide expansion, Boston Globe, Liz Carr, medical aid in dying, Second ThoughtsDiane Coleman

Liz Carr’s documentary, “Better Off Dead?”, continues making a difference, serving as a wake up call about the dangers assisted suicide laws pose for people with disabilities. A Boston Globe columnist noted this week: The most chilling detail in “Better Off Dead?” a new BBC documentary by the English actress and comedian Liz Carr, is … Continue reading Boston Globe: “For assistance in dying, please press 1” →

Second Thoughts MA protest gains important news coverage

June 7, 2024aid in dying, assisted suicide, end-of-life options bills, Massachusetts, media coverage, Our News & Commentary Blog, protests, Second Thoughtsassisted suicide, Massachusetts, medical aid in dying, Second ThoughtsDiane Coleman

Second Thoughts Massachusetts led a peaceful counter demonstration at a gathering of assisted suicide proponents held at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday, June 5th. In addition to those featured in the photo above, others who participated included Ian McIntosh and Jessica Rodgers of the Patients Rights Action Fund, Harry Weissman, Director of Advocacy for … Continue reading Second Thoughts MA protest gains important news coverage →