…p to New Hampshire’s “live free or die” motto, fully realizing that living free is only half of that slogan. Freedom to die should be equally important to those of us who oppose nanny state government, who recoil at government intrusion into our lives (and our deaths). But there’s a contradiction in a libertarian wanting “nanny state” government sanctions and medical intervention into the private choice to end your own life, which isn’t really a m…
…ptions October 20, 2023 Hello, and thank you for the chance to address the committee in opposition to the End of Life Options Act. I am coming to you from Québec, Canada, as the director of Toujours Vivant-Not Dead Yet, a non-religious, progressive organization by and for disabled people that gives voice to the disability rights-based opposition to assisted suicide, euthanasia, and other life-ending practices. I’m also speaking to you as a Massach…
…civil rights of seniors and people with disabilities. We need reform that frees people from unwanted confinement in costly institutions and reforms Medicaid to benefit all Americans. Congress needs to hear that there is strong opposition to arbitrary reductions to the Medicaid program and strong support for measures that contain costs while promoting the health, independence and civil rights of seniors and people with disabilities. TAKE ACTION 1….
…ries will appear over the next week or so, with response from Peace. We welcome comments and additional posts from readers. Here is the first commentary, by Diane Coleman and Stephen Drake, of Not Dead Yet. Here is the opening to the essay/response Diane and I wrote: It’s difficult for us to believe that Bill Peace’s story would really surprise anyone entrenched in bioethics and “end of life” issues. Anyone paying close attention to various news s…
…e, if he wanted to be helpful; things that are standard practice for those competent in communicating about palliative care. Comments on any of the essays reacting to Bill Peace’s article are encouraged, but you have to register – which is a free and relatively painless process. I’d like to add that the Hastings Center, like bioethics in general doesn’t “do” disability very often. Reactions to these articles from anyone – but especially folks in t…
