Category Archives: letters to the editor

Pam Heavens: Do not support legalizing physician-assisted suicide

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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 →

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

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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 →

Diane Coleman’s Letter Published in the New York Times

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A letter to the editor from Diane Coleman was published in the New York Times recently. Published September 25th, it was sandwiched between two letters in favor of legalizing assisted suicide. All three lettersreacted to A Lawsuit Aims to Expand Aid in Dying by Paula Span which first appeared in the NYTimes and later in … Continue reading Diane Coleman’s Letter Published in the New York Times →

Belated Note: Diane Coleman’s Letter Published in Finger Lakes Times

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[From August 28, 2023] Assisted suicide in NY a poor idea To the Editor: It’s ironic that Joel Freedman’s Aug. 14 essay promoting assisted suicide laws opens by noting the need to “strengthen the rights of nursing home residents and other care-dependent people.” People are too often dumped into nursing facilities by hospitals and sometimes, … Continue reading Belated Note: Diane Coleman’s Letter Published in Finger Lakes Times →

Mary Makuc Letter: I feel the threat of ableism amid assisted suicide debate

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Excellent letter in the Berkshire Eagle by Mary Makuc, member of Second Thoughts Massachusetts! To the editor: For people with severe disabilities like me, assisted suicide is not just theoretical but a real social justice issue. If law allowing for assisted suicide is passed in Massachusetts, many people could feel pressured to die. Because of … Continue reading Mary Makuc Letter: I feel the threat of ableism amid assisted suicide debate →