Category Archives: Second Thoughts

Announcement: In Memoriam: John Bryan Kelly (February 26, 1958 – November 14, 2025)

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  Our incomparable disability rights champion, beloved colleague and friend.   It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of NDY’s singularly dear colleague and incomparable disability rights champion, John Bryan Kelly, who passed away peacefully in Boston, this past Friday, November 14, 2025, at the age of 67.  In spite of battling … Continue reading Announcement: In Memoriam: John Bryan Kelly (February 26, 1958 – November 14, 2025) →

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 →

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

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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

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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 →

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 →