Public discussion about the realities of Medical Assisted Suicide (MAS) is critical. The practice is increasingly becoming normalized as a “health care” option and already inadequate safeguards and restrictions in existing laws are being eroded, so much so that even those who have previously advocated for it are having second thoughts.
At this important potential turning point in public understanding, Progressives Against Medical Assisted Suicide (PAMAS) wants to create a documentary film examining the issue in a critical light. We hope this film will add another dimension to a conversation that has thus far been dominated by religious organizations (which oppose MAS for their own reasons) and by liberal supporters who discount the disability and social justice arguments against it.
The documentary will be filmed and produced by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Karyl Evans, based in North Haven, CT. 100% of all money raised will cover the filmmaker, crew, and associated expenses. Research, writing, organizing, and review will be done by volunteer (unpaid) PAMAS members and allies.
“Better off dead” is the lens through which those of us who are old, disabled, and/or seriously ill are viewed, including by many medical professionals. Combine that prejudice and other existing healthcare disparities with the for-profit medical system and its corrosive “you don’t want to be a burden” message and you have a lethal mix. Medical Assisted Suicide only opens another avenue for impossible-to-document coercion, neglect, and abuse, both institutional and personal.
The organizations lobbying most avidly to pass MAS legislation are also hard at work to reduce the limited restrictions and safeguards in the laws that have already been enacted in 11 jurisdictions in the United States: ending state residency requirements; reducing or eliminating waiting periods; broadening the kinds of medical providers who can prescribe the lethal drugs; and expanding the categories of patients (including those with dementia) who can qualify.
PAMAS desperately needs funds to make this film. We need to raise at least $35,000 as soon as possible. Please, consider helping us present another side to this discussion.
Make your check out to Center for Disability Rights. ***IMPORTANT: Write “NDY/PAMAS” in the check memo line.*** Mail checks to NDY/PAMAS, 497 State Street, Rochester, NY 14608. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. If you prefer to use NDY’s online donation button (https://notdeadyet.org/donate-to-not-dead-yet), you must also email the project at ProgressivesagainstMAS@hotmail.com with your name and the amount to distinguish it from other donations to NDY.
