Category Archives: better dead than disabled

The Tragedy of Eileen Mihich: A Woman with Mental Illness Abandoned by the System into the Waiting Jaws of Assisted Suicide.

Eileen Mihich deserved better. Aging With Dignity has put out a powerful, short film that further dispels the disingenuous claims by ableist proponents of assisted suicide laws that there has never been a single instance in which safeguards have failed. To the assisted suicide proponent question: Where is the evidence of abuse, coercion and error? … Continue reading The Tragedy of Eileen Mihich: A Woman with Mental Illness Abandoned by the System into the Waiting Jaws of Assisted Suicide.

Coming Soon: In Honour of the 35th Anniversary of the ADA: Film, “Thoughts on Medical Assisted Suicide” to Stream Online July 23rd-30th, 2025

“Thoughts on Medical Assisted Suicide” to stream online July 23rd-30th, 2025 In honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, the new 36-minute film, “Thoughts on Medical Assisted Suicide” will be available for viewing online at Https://pamasprogressives.org from Wednesday July 23rd through Wednesday … Continue reading Coming Soon: In Honour of the 35th Anniversary of the ADA: Film, “Thoughts on Medical Assisted Suicide” to Stream Online July 23rd-30th, 2025

Pam Heavens: Do not support legalizing physician-assisted suicide

The Times Weekly published this opinion letter by Illinois disability advocate Pam Heavens on October 2nd: The Illinois General Assembly is considering a bill that will legalize physician-assisted suicide. I am a 68-year-old Disabled woman and proud member of “Stop Assisted Suicide Illinois Coalition”, which vehemently opposes this bill. This organization includes representatives from diverse … Continue reading Pam Heavens: Do not support legalizing physician-assisted suicide

When Disaster Strikes Everyone, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Is There for Us

By Lisa Blumberg In a widespread disaster grievously impacting people in general, people who happen to have disabilities tend to be invisible. This may partly stem from the “better dead than disabled” ethos. If a disability is considered to irretrievably diminish the quality and value of your life, why be concerned about other problems could … Continue reading When Disaster Strikes Everyone, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Is There for Us

Lisa Blumberg: Denying Access to Food and Water Based on Disability Status

It’s Faustian – giving a nondisabled or slightly disabled person a chance to deny themselves access to food and water if they become significantly disabled and have resulting functional impairments. End of Life Choices New York, a leading supporter of legalized assisted suicide, has developed an “Advance Directive for Receiving Oral Feeding and Fluids in … Continue reading Lisa Blumberg: Denying Access to Food and Water Based on Disability Status