Category Archives: Our News & Commentary Blog

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More on Double Euthanasia in Belgium, National Federation of the Blind Reacts, and Other Suicides in the News

Aaron Swartz, Belgium, deaf-blind, devaluation, euthanasia, National Federation of the Blind, Oskar the Blind Cat, Our News & Commentary Blog, pets, reality check, suicide

The 24+ hours since I posted on the double euthanasia of two deaf men in Belgium has resulted in some developments, varied reactions, and some reflection on my own part.  My apologies if this post seems a little scattered – a little like mental  multi-colored pasta thrown against the wall –  but sometimes that’s how … Continue reading More on Double Euthanasia in Belgium, National Federation of the Blind Reacts, and Other Suicides in the News →

Belgium: “Double Euthanasia” of Deaf Twins Losing Vision and Reactions from a Deaf-Blind Blogger

Belgium, bioethics, deaf-blind, euthanasia, Our News & Commentary Blog

Over the weekend, news came out of Belgium of a grim and bizarre new “twist” in that Country’s euthanasia practice.  According to reports, two 45-year-old twins were killed by lethal injection per their request (AKA “euthanized”).  They were both deaf and it’s said they were both gradually losing their vision. From ABC News: Two deaf … Continue reading Belgium: “Double Euthanasia” of Deaf Twins Losing Vision and Reactions from a Deaf-Blind Blogger →

Canada: Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet established in Canada to organize against legalization of assisted suicide, euthanasia and associated threats

Amy Hasbrouck, assisted suicide, Canada, Council of Canadians with Disabilities, disability activists, disability rights, euthanasia, Our News & Commentary Blog, Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet

As of a few months ago, Canada now has a disability rights group dedicated to fighting legalization of assisted suicide, euthanasia and associated threats to the lives and safety of people with disabilities. Here’s a description of the group and their mission from the “about” section of the TV-NDY website: About TV-NDY Who we are … Continue reading Canada: Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet established in Canada to organize against legalization of assisted suicide, euthanasia and associated threats →

A “Must-Read” From Ezekiel Emanuel on Better “End of Life” Care

"end of life", bioethics, hospice, media, Our News & Commentary Blog, palliative care

Right-Wing politics often leave me at a loss for words.  The attacks aimed at Ezekiel Emanuel before and after the passage of what is commonly called “Obamacare” is one of the most bizarre examples.  At the time, Emanuel was Special Advisor for Health Policy to Peter Orszag, acting director of OMB. Emanuel struck me as … Continue reading A “Must-Read” From Ezekiel Emanuel on Better “End of Life” Care →

Minnesota: Final Exit Network Argues Assisted Suicide Law Violates Free Speech Rights in Court

assisted suicide, court cases, Frontline, Georgia, lawrence egbert, Minnesota, Our News & Commentary Blog, thaddeus pope, vigilantes, zealotry

From the Telegraph-Herald: MINNEAPOLIS — Members of a national right-to-die group are challenging Minnesota’s assisted-suicide law, saying it violates constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association. The group Final Exit Network is challenging the law after four of its members were indicted in May in the suicide of a Minnesota woman. Prosecutors … Continue reading Minnesota: Final Exit Network Argues Assisted Suicide Law Violates Free Speech Rights in Court →