…; and (2) What changes can be made to current requirements to address implicit or explicit discrimination, such as decisions made based on faulty assumptions about quality of life and the ability to perform post-operative care. The organ transplant program saves lives, including some of our organization’s grassroots advocates. Its goals are of unquestionable significance. In order to function effectively though, it needs to have strong public trus…
…bilities’ equal rights to life-sustaining treatment. We oppose assisted suicide laws as a deadly form of discrimination. We support people with disabilities’ right to live in the community and not be forced into nursing homes and other institutions. Medicaid provides necessary healthcare coverage to poor and disabled people, and is the primary funder of long-term services and supports (LTSS) required by older, disabled, and chronically ill people…
…(Sawyer Arraigned on State Fraud Charges, KTVZ.com, Sept. 7, 2011. http://www.ktvz.com/news/Sawyer-Arraigned-on-State-Fraud-Charges/619440) Kate Cheney, age 85, died by assisted suicide under Oregon’s law even though she had early dementia. Her physician had declined to provide the lethal prescription. Her managed care provider then found another physician to prescribe the lethal dose. The second physician ordered a psychiatric evaluation, which…
…Dead Yet Opposing HB 47 Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Bill Judiciary Committee February 13, 2021 I am submitting testimony as a person with an advanced neuromuscular condition. I’m also the founder and President of Not Dead Yet, a national disability rights group that opposes legalization of assisted suicide. I have personal experience with the uncertainty of terminal predictions by doctors, as well as the risks of assisted suicide l…
…U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead, yet too often denied. Assisted suicide laws set up a double standard whereby most suicidal people get suicide prevention while certain others get suicide assistance. For those who are old, ill, or “disabled enough”, society will not only agree that suicide is appropriate but will provide the lethal means to complete the act. This form of discrimination violates the ADA. Recommendations Actions to address th…
