…nexistent. Proponents will tell you abuse of these laws are rare, but the truth of the matter is, this system was not set up to find them. In Oregon, for instance, when concerns about abuses were raised, Dr. Katrina Hedberg of their Department of Human Services said: “We are not given the resources to investigate.” And not only that – she added “not only do we not have the resources to do it, but we do not have any legal authority to insert oursel…
…icide. 64-year-old Wagner’s insurance refused to pay for a $4,000 a month drug to treat her lung cancer, but offered instead a physician-assisted drug that would cost $50. 1 In addition, populations that currently lack equal access to quality care, services or supports, and face discrimination, may be offered assisted suicide at greater rates. These disparities cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that Black people are less likely than non-hispan…
…ted from state laws regarding prosecution for prescribing lethal doses of drugs to patients the doctors judged to be terminally ill and who asked for drugs to take their own lives. I learned of individuals with significant disabilities who, while not terminally ill, could not find a way to live outside of a long-term care institution, and chose to stop receiving food and hydration or to have life support equipment disconnected. I learned that phys…
…with friends, and basically had a great life. That seems to be over as I struggle to get enough supports. Advertising no longer produces new hires. Without enough workers, my focus every day has to be on shifting people around so I can get my most basic needs met. Losing autonomy – My independence depends on interdependence. Technology allows me to do a few things for myself, mainly on the computer. But without human assistance, I cannot clean my…
…Act” that patients who choose assisted suicide self-administer the lethal drugs. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (The Court) held a hearing on Thursday, April 14th at 10 am PDT on a motion to dismiss. The virtual press conference features legal and professional opinions, as well as personal testimonies from those whose lives have been or would be endangered by assisted suicide legislation. WHO: Diane Coleman: Presid…
