New Jersey: Appellate Court Issues Ruling in Betancourt v. Trinitas

August 13, 2010amicus brief, betancourt v. trinitas, court decisions, futile care, futility, new jersey, Our News & Commentary BlogStephen Drake

…cally, this ruling makes it a pretty good Friday the 13th for us. For more info, commentary and coverage: Thaddeus Pope, who also filed an amicus brief in the case, has shared his initial analysis of the decision on his Medical Futility Blog. The New Jersey Star-Ledger has coverage of the ruling. NJ Today also has a story about the ruling. The ruling itself can be read here in pdf format. For any member of the media wanting comment on the case: Co…

NDLA and NCIL Action Alert! (Thurs, July 14) – Urge Congress to Reform, Not Cut Medicaid

July 14, 2011action alert, advocacy, budget reduction, congress, national council on independent living, national disability leadership alliance, Our News & Commentary Blog, reality checkStephen Drake

…l your Senators and Congressional Representative Toll Free at 866-324-0787 today using the talking points below, and then Take Action to email your message too! BACKGROUND The National Council on Independent Living and independent living advocates from around the country are marching, rallying and meeting TODAY with their Senators and Representatives in Washington, D.C. and they need YOUR help to deliver a strong message that we need real Medicaid…

The Lighter Side of Kevorkian’s Death (humor and satire alert)

June 6, 2011assisted suicide, humor, in memorium, Kevorkian, Our News & Commentary Blog, satireStephen Drake

…onal ceremony, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) eulogized the late Dr. Jack Kevorkian today, vowing to “honor his legacy by continuing his good work.” “Dr. Kevorkian tried to ease the transition of seniors into the great beyond,” an emotional Rep. Ryan told his colleagues in the House of Representatives. “Here in Congress, we have the opportunity – one might even say the obligation – to continue Kevorkian’s work on a grander scale.” As a first step to memori…

“My Medicaid Matters” Rally Is Happening NOW – text of NDY speech

September 21, 2011access to health care, activism, ADAPT, advocacy, Medicaid, Our News & Commentary BlogStephen Drake

…y to have a representative give a speech at the rally about 1 minute long. Today, long-time NDY board member Dr. Mary Lopez, Ph.D. Here is the text of her prepared remarks: My Medicaid Matters Rally – Speech by Dr. Mary Lopez, Ph.D. Besides serving on the Board of Not Dead Yet, I’m the Executive Director of Independence Empowerment Center. We serve people with disabilities of all ages, including seniors. One of our most important programs gives pe…

RELEASE: Disability Activists Urge Georgia Legislators to “Get it Right” on Assisted Suicide

February 7, 2012assisted suicide, court decisions, final exit network, Georgia, legislation, Our News & Commentary Blog, press release, suicideStephen Drake

…e as soon as possible and “get it right” this time. Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 07, 2012 Today, Georgia disability activists, including members of Not Dead Yet, reacted to the Georgia Supreme Court ruling that overturned a 1994 law on assisted suicide on First Amendment grounds. The overturned statute only criminalized the advertising of suicide assistance and, in effect, left unadvertised suicide assistance free from legal prosecution. The Court…