Category Archives: Our News & Commentary Blog

Open Letter To American Medical Students Concerning Assisted Suicide

November 8, 2018"death with dignity", ableism, ADAPT, aid in dying, American Medical Student Assn., assisted suicide, Our News & Commentary BlogADAPT, aid in dying, AMSA, assisted suicide, death with dignityDiane Coleman

Over the years, I’ve had a number of opportunities to provide presentations on disability related topics to university medical students. Instructors invited me to speak because they saw a problem in the fact that medical education included very little training on disability and independent living. That always struck me as odd considering the higher need … Continue reading Open Letter To American Medical Students Concerning Assisted Suicide →

Carrie Ann Lucas On Video Explaining Dangers of Assisted Suicide Laws To A Proponent

November 1, 2018Our News & Commentary BlogDiane Coleman

Carrie Ann Lucas shines in this six-minute Facebook video featured by “An Imperfect Union.” As a former co-director of an assistive technology center, I just love seeing Carrie using communication technology to show her customary expertise on the assisted suicide issue. While the proponent says he’d be fine with certain amendments to increase patient protections … Continue reading Carrie Ann Lucas On Video Explaining Dangers of Assisted Suicide Laws To A Proponent →

I depend on life-support to stay alive. Why I oppose assisted suicide laws

October 29, 2018"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, Compassion & Choices, diane coleman, new jersey, Our News & Commentary Blog, suicide preventionaid in dying, assisted suicide, death with dignity, New Jersey, op-edDiane Coleman

[Ed. Note: This guest column by Diane Coleman appeared in nj.com on October 26, 2018, and in the New Jersey Star Ledger print edition on October 29.] I have an advanced neuromuscular condition and must use breathing support with a mask 18 hours a day. As a severely disabled person who depends on life-sustaining treatment, I … Continue reading I depend on life-support to stay alive. Why I oppose assisted suicide laws →

NDY & ADAPT Submit Public Comments To Virginia Commission Opposing Potential Assisted Suicide Legislation

October 14, 2018"death with dignity", ADAPT, aid in dying, assisted suicide, Our News & Commentary Blog, public comment, Virginiaaid in dying, assisted suicide, death with dignity, public comment, VirginiaDiane Coleman

The Virginia Joint Commission on Health Care has requested public comments by close of business on October 15 concerning several policy issues, including one option that would recommend the introduction of assisted suicide legislation. It’s called Policy Option 2, worded as follows: Introduce legislation to amend the Code of Virginia to include a Medical Aid-in-Dying statute … Continue reading NDY & ADAPT Submit Public Comments To Virginia Commission Opposing Potential Assisted Suicide Legislation →

Neurology Guidelines Push Back Against “Rush To Judgment” In Brain Injury Cases

October 8, 2018American Academy of Neurology, brain injury, coma, consciousness, life-ending decisions, life-sustaining treatment, Our News & Commentary Blog, vegetative stateAmerican Academy of Neurology, brain injury, Kingston Holmes, PVSDiane Coleman

On September 16, ABC News in Oakland, California reported on a hospital’s threat to remove breathing support from six-month-old Kingston Holmes. The infant needed a ventilator due to a brain injury following a cardiac arrest at home. The first thing I ask when I read a story like that is when did the cardiac arrest … Continue reading Neurology Guidelines Push Back Against “Rush To Judgment” In Brain Injury Cases →