Sad News: The Passing of Disability Rights Attorney Andres Gallegos

December 4, 2023ableism, better dead than disabled, futile care, health disparities, Jules Good, life-ending decisions, medical discrimination, Michael Hickson, Our News & Commentary BlogAndres Gallegos, denial of medical care, medical discrimination, Michael HicksonDiane Coleman

…ready to say goodbye to him, his legacy, his love, and his impact on this world will stand the test of time. We appreciate the love and support from the many who were inspired by Dad, and by those who loved and knew him. As a family we will be taking to time reflect and heal. We plan to hold a celebration of his life and his legacy in the next few months. If you would like to honor Andrés and help continue his life’s work of advocating for the di…

Press Release: Disability Opposition to Assisted Suicide Bills Helped Secure Third Defeat In New England States This Session

March 31, 2014assisted suicide, Our News & Commentary Blog, press releaseassisted suicide, press releaseDiane Coleman

…outspoken opponents.” Disability rights opposition was also a focus in US News and World Report. Alongside quotes from Not Dead Yet’s Coleman and Kelly, Marilyn Golden of the California-based Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund was quoted regarding the Connecticut bill, saying “This does not promote patient choice. It invites coercion.” As Second Thoughts Connecticut leader Cathy Ludlum told the Yale Daily News, the bill “would basically…

Hydrocephalus, Spina Bifida and Medical Killing – Current News from DRI and a History Supplement from Me

November 22, 2011disability rights international, euthanasia, hydrocephalus, medical killings, medical neglect, Netherlands, Our News & Commentary Blog, spina bifidaStephen Drake

…human rights and full participation in society of people with disabilities worldwide.” There is, of course, a lot more to know and learn about the organization than that and I encourage people to explore DRI’s site at the links provided above. The message from Laurie Ahern regarded, in part, the baby boy seen in the picture below. The picture above is of a 6 month old boy lying in a crib whose head recently burst due to untreated hydrocephalus. Do…

Connecticut News: Strong Disability Advocacy and Great Result

March 26, 2018"death with dignity", aid in dying, assisted suicide, Connecticut, letters to the editor, Our News & Commentary Blog, Second Thoughts Connecticut, Testimonyaid in dying, assisted suicide, Connecticut, Letter to the Editor, Second Thoughts ConnectcutDiane Coleman

…ed my Forum piece about this (https://www.nhregister.com/opinion/article/Forum-Aid-in-dying-bill-neither-11375068.php), March 14, 2014. We continue to clearly see these bills for what they are: another piece of the medical cost-cutting agenda that seeks to “ration” health care for the most vulnerable among us — the poor, elderly and disabled. As a life-long activist for peace and justice, it is beyond my understanding how anyone claiming human rig…

Assisted Suicide News Story Includes NDY Protest In Albany

July 1, 2022"death with dignity", assisted suicide, diane coleman, end-of-life options bills, Kevorkian, Matt Valliere, media coverage, New York, Not Dead Yet, Our News & Commentary Blog, Patients Rights Action Fund, protestsassisted suicide, disability protests, media coverage, medical aid in dying, Not Dead Yet, Patients Rights Action FundDiane Coleman

A June 30th Washington, D.C. news story, Medical aid in dying: States debate right-to-die laws, included a photo from a Not Dead Yet protest held at a press conference held by assisted suicide proponents which was covered in this blog in early May (Disability Activists Crash Pro-Assisted Suicide Press Conference). Though giving more space and first prominence to proponents, the June 30th article includes opponents in video interviews, photos and…