Does Freedom to Die Mean Freedom to Save Money, for Shareholders?

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[Letter to the editor of the Putnam County News and Recorder published September 04, 2019]

To the Editor, In response to Assemblywoman Galef’s letter (“Support the Medical Aid in Dying Act”, PCNR, Aug. 28, 2019), we should not forget what Derek Humphry, co-founder of the Hemlock Society (now “Compassion & Choices) said in his book:

“…economics, not the quest for broadened individual liberties or increased autonomy, will drive assisted suicide to the plateau of acceptable practice.” Derek Humphry & Mary Clement, Freedom to Die: People, Politics and the Right to Die Movement” (2000).

With New York State’s plan to cut in-home services for seniors and people with disabilities well underway, we should all be worried that those words are coming true.

But it’s not too late to have second thoughts about a public policy of assisted suicide that’s administered by healthcare providers run by managed care companies that owe their first duty to shareholders, not patients.

Diane Coleman, President of Not Dead Yet.

Meghan Parker, New York Assn. on Independent Living.

Stephanie Woodward, Center for Disability Rights.

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