Category Archives: Second Thoughts

The Extreme Ableism of Assisted Suicide

I just came across a brilliant letter that John Kelly sent to the Washington, D.C. Council when they were considering an assisted suicide bill in 2016. I should have posted it here then, but I am doing so now (lightly edited), because it’s one of the best discussions I’ve read of the core problem that … Continue reading The Extreme Ableism of Assisted Suicide

Early Press & Testimony Opposing Mass. END of . . . Life-Options Bill

John Kelly is on almost total doctor-ordered bed rest, which made for an especially compelling TV interview in advance of today’s press conference and committee testimony on the Massachusetts assisted suicide bill. Here are the links to both Boston Channel 25 news stories featuring John as an opponent of the bill: Bill to help terminally-ill … Continue reading Early Press & Testimony Opposing Mass. END of . . . Life-Options Bill

John Kelly & Anita Cameron Begin A Busy Week Opposing Mass. Assisted Suicide Bill

Tuesday, June 25 begins a busy week for disability advocates opposed to legalization of assisted suicide. The Massachusetts “End of Life Options Act” H.1926/S.1208 will be heard before the Joint Committee On Public Health. John Kelly, NDY’s New England Regional Director, and Anita Cameron, Director of Minority Outreach, are among several disability leaders planning to testify. Details of … Continue reading John Kelly & Anita Cameron Begin A Busy Week Opposing Mass. Assisted Suicide Bill

John Kelly’s Newest Op-Ed Greets the New Year With A Great Message

Legislature should continue to reject assisted suicide bill By John B. Kelly Posted Dec 24, 2018 In a recent Wicked Local Lexington commentary (“Medical aid in dying important for some with disabilities,” Sept. 28), Michael Martignetti argues for the legalization of assisted suicide from the perspective of someone with the progressive neurological disability, Friedrichs ataxia. I can … Continue reading John Kelly’s Newest Op-Ed Greets the New Year With A Great Message

John Kelly Examines Legislators’ Arguments Leading to Victory in Maine

Not Dead Yet testimony featured in defeat of Maine assisted suicide bill The situation was tense. The Maine State Senate had pulled off a stunner by passing assisted suicide bill LD 347 by a vote of 16-15. We were nervous because two years ago, it was the Senate that saved the day by stopping a … Continue reading John Kelly Examines Legislators’ Arguments Leading to Victory in Maine