No coverage of the assisted suicide issue is fair and balanced without the perspective of disability organizations and individuals who oppose it. Today, the Maryland House Health and Government Operations and Judiciary Committees are holding a joint legislative hearing on proposed physician-assisted suicide legislation – House Bill 399.
The committees decided to allow all witnesses in favor of the bill to testify first, forcing opponents to wait . . . and wait. For disability advocates, who often face complicated health and transportation issues, the committee’s biased decision may effectively block some from testifying. At least one disability advocate, Sheryl Grossman, already had to leave.
“We live with a profit driven healthcare system facing tremendous cost-cutting pressures. Assisted suicide is the cheapest ‘treatment’,” said Anita Cameron, Director of Minority Outreach for Not Dead Yet. “These bills grant legal immunity to doctors and others who assist suicides of people who may have a terminal condition. They do not prevent mistakes, coercion or abuse and, therefore, endanger the lives of old, ill and disabled people.”
To speak with Maryland and national disability advocates who oppose assisted suicide bills, please contact:
Sheryl Grossman, Maryland resident, with the Nat’l Council on Independent Living
314-863-3211
Anita Cameron, Director of Minority Outreach, Not Dead Yet
585-259-8746