Patients Rights Action Fund shared the following press advisory sent as disability advocates show up to oppose Evanston City Council assisted suicide resolution:
Tonight, the Evanston City Council will debate and vote on the issue of assisted suicide.
Below are statements from disability rights advocates who oppose assisted suicide if you are planning to cover this.
“Disability advocates nationwide have long opposed assisted suicide legislation as presenting a false choice in how to live or die. Data shows that the vast majority of those who request assisted suicide are in fact disabled people. The sad fact remains that assisted suicide is a loophole for abuse and lack of supports for people with disabilities. Because the Illinois social services system is broken and underfunded, our efforts should focus on investing in home and community based supports.” Amber Smock, Director of Advocacy, Access Living. Media contact: Bridget Hayman bhayman@accessliving.org or (312) 640-2129 : www.accessliving.org
“I oppose the legalization of assisted suicide because it leads to cases of abuse towards people with disabilities. The safeguards which are available have not been effective. In addition, terminal diagnoses are notoriously unreliable, with no assurance of consistency. It can be, and has been, offered by insurance companies instead of life saving treatment. It heightens the stigma of disabled people being a “burden” on others. It preys on people who are already depressed and may be offered as a solution as opposed to suicide prevention. It increases suicides in general.” Clark A. Craig, Community Organizer, Progress Center for Independent Living. Media contact: Clark Craig ccraig@progresscil.org or (708) 209-1500 : www.progresscil.org
Thank you for engaging at this local level aggressively . Well done