Testimony of Ellen Leigh

October 20, 2023

Opposition to H.2446/S.1331
An Act relative to end of life options

Dear Chairs and Members of the Committee:

I have a spinal cord disorder, live with serious illnesses, and use a power wheelchair. I know how society discriminates against disabled and ill people; the judgments about our quality of life; and how this devaluation leads to medical bias and discrimination in healthcare. I know that ableism and ageism can kill. I am terrified of the End of Life Options Act, due to the inevitable abuse and harm. We need to be realistic about the dangers of assisted suicide. We live in the real world, where there won’t be oversight and where people WILL get hurt.

I had a very scary experience when I was in septic shock. In the ER, where my wheelchair loomed large, the Dr. told me I was very ill and might die. I then felt pressured to get a DNR. As sick as I was, I was shocked. I had an infection. I didn’t want to die. I wanted treatment! Though weak, I asserted my desire for life support. What if I hadn’t been able to counter this attitude that my life was not worth saving…

Assisted suicide harms the doctor patient relationship. Altering the nature of this and the role of the medical profession is a BIG deal. This is NOT something that will affect only a small number of people. It will affect all of us! I need to trust my doctor, to trust in the relationship and know that they’ll provide care, not assist in killing me!

In a profit-driven, broken and overwhelmed system, already rife with health disparities and biases, we don’t need more mistrust by adding lethal drugs as a medical treatment. We need to ensure health equity, improving care for patients throughout life and at the end of life. Let’s focus on high quality hospice and palliative care, as well as support services and fully-funded home care, so that death isn’t chosen due to a lack of options.

As a disabled person, I need protection. I am vulnerable. Being disabled, having chronic health conditions, being older—all of these things make us much more vulnerable. We must not be made to feel like a burden. People who feel this pressure may end their life prematurely. It is socially dangerous to make people question their dignity and whether their lives are worth living. We all deserve care, not a hastened death. Being progressive means caring for the most vulnerable, not ending their lives.

Thank you,

Ellen Leigh