Is Illinois next on the list for the multi-state investigation of Final Exit Network?

February 28, 2009assisted suicide, crime and punishment, final exit network, Our News & Commentary BlogStephen Drake

…r Board member, Hemlock of Illinois (Network Affiliate) Anyone reading the news stories associated with the FEN investigation should know by now that an “Exit Guide” is a FEN member who steers the person wanting to commit suicide through the process. Here’s what they say about “first responders”: A First Responder* in your area will call you, talk you through our procedures, and make arrangements for an Exit Guide to contact you and arrange a pers…

Dissecting Disturbing and Distorted Coverage of Investigation of Nursing Home Deaths (Part 1)

April 9, 2008homicide, media issues, neglect, nursing homes, Our News & Commentary BlogStephen Drake

…ofessional: Whitten, who was the primary caretaker for her daughter, was struggling to cope with her daughter’s medical problems, Ramsey said. “I think the health issues were a big factor in this,” Ramsey said, adding: “The family was struggling.” (“Ramsey” refers to Kane County Sheriff Ken Ramsey) Why was this “stupid”? Because in subsequent articles the family itself denied that Betty Whitten was particularly stressed by the support she gave her…

Time Magazine Article Misrepresents Final Exit Network and Who They “Help”

March 4, 2009assisted suicide, crime and punishment, final exit network, media coverage, media issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, Time magazineStephen Drake

…ilable online at: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/NEWS05/70525061/1007/NEWS05 There are more recent journal articles that contain analyses yielding similar results, although not as accessible. I can provide these on request. It’s possible to give Ms. Bowers a “pass” on the mischaracterization of Kevorkian, since most in the media seem to be strangely amnesiac about all this. Having said that, there is absolutely no excuse…

Newest AP Story on Final Exit Network – NDY Quoted

March 30, 2009assisted suicide, final exit network, media coverage, Our News & Commentary Blog, suicideStephen Drake

…latest entry in that line of stories comes today, published in the Detroit News. It tells the story of the planned suicide of Maxine Poris – through the accounts of FEN members, her correspondence, and her “accepting” daughters. Anyone reading with a critical eye can read a story of a woman dealing with the pain and depression that is part of fibromyalgia – and someone who appears to have been pretty isolated. In a story like this, we’re not allow…

Kaylee Wallace – Disturbing Coverage and Unasked Questions

April 8, 2009bioethics, Canada, kaylee wallace, media coverage, media issues, medical decisionmaking, organ donation, Our News & Commentary BlogStephen Drake

…, a story hits the news that is so heartwrenching and tragic that it seems rude and cold to ask questions – let alone challenge – elements of the story. Often, this is exactly the time that hard questions should be asked. Right now, there is a life-and-death drama playing out at the Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto. Kaylee Wallace, who is two months old, is receiving palliative care at the facility. On Tuesday, there was an attempt to harvest h…