Assisted Suicide Laws Are Deadly Discrimination against the Elderly, Sick and Disabled
This article was published on February 24 as part of a suicide aid survey.
Diane Coleman wrote the article No to Assisted Suicide that I republished below.
By Diane Coleman
President of Not Dead Yet
Assisted suicide can naturally be seen as an easy way to die, but closer examination reveals
inherent dangers that should lead to doubts.
First, assisted suicide is not necessary to ensure that we can die peacefully in our sleep,as we can already do so by
receiving palliative care, up to and including complete sedation.
So what do assisted suicide laws actually do? They grant civil and criminal immunity tohealth care providers
and caregivers who may be involved.
The image of assisted suicide, medically administered and approved by the government, is that it only accelerates the death of an already deceased person and voluntarily takes lethal drugs, with "guarantees"preventing abuse.
Diane Coleman wrote the article No to Assisted Suicide that I republished below.
By Diane Coleman
President of Not Dead Yet
Assisted suicide can naturally be seen as an easy way to die, but closer examination reveals
inherent dangers that should lead to doubts.
First, assisted suicide is not necessary to ensure that we can die peacefully in our sleep,as we can already do so by
receiving palliative care, up to and including complete sedation.
So what do assisted suicide laws actually do? They grant civil and criminal immunity tohealth care providers
and caregivers who may be involved.
The image of assisted suicide, medically administered and approved by the government, is that it only accelerates the death of an already deceased person and voluntarily takes lethal drugs, with "guarantees"preventing abuse.
Under U.S. law, an abusive heir or caregiver
may suggest assisted suicide,attend the written application and even give the drug without consent.
On the other hand, in U.S. jurisdictions where assisted suicide is legal, with Oregon being the national "model,"
no authority verifies that patients are eligible or that procedures are followed.
A short form filed by the prescribing physician is accepted at face value. This is the "honour"system.
U.S. laws require a prognosis of 6 months, but Oregon data show that people have far outlived their prognosis. The hospice data show that 12-15% survive their expected expiration date. Oregon also defines someone as a "terminal"who simply can't afford treatment.
Some countries have expanded eligibility for assisted suicide to include people with ordinary non-terminal disabilities and even psychological suffering without physical illness.
Therefore, the image that all eligible people are dying soon anyway is not valid. But isn't that voluntary yet?
Unfortunately, under U.S. law, an abusive heir or caregiver may suggest assisted suicide, attend the written application and even give the drug without consent. No independent witnesses are required when drugs are used, so who would know? Assisted suicide can also mask medical errors or malpractice.
may suggest assisted suicide,attend the written application and even give the drug without consent.
On the other hand, in U.S. jurisdictions where assisted suicide is legal, with Oregon being the national "model,"
no authority verifies that patients are eligible or that procedures are followed.
A short form filed by the prescribing physician is accepted at face value. This is the "honour"system.
U.S. laws require a prognosis of 6 months, but Oregon data show that people have far outlived their prognosis. The hospice data show that 12-15% survive their expected expiration date. Oregon also defines someone as a "terminal"who simply can't afford treatment.
Some countries have expanded eligibility for assisted suicide to include people with ordinary non-terminal disabilities and even psychological suffering without physical illness.
Therefore, the image that all eligible people are dying soon anyway is not valid. But isn't that voluntary yet?
Unfortunately, under U.S. law, an abusive heir or caregiver may suggest assisted suicide, attend the written application and even give the drug without consent. No independent witnesses are required when drugs are used, so who would know? Assisted suicide can also mask medical errors or malpractice.
Assisted suicide is being marketed as a new "civil law"
Finally, perhaps the biggest concern should be the pressures of reducing health care costs. As Hemlock Society co-founder Derek Humphry wrote, "... the economy, not the search for expanded individual freedoms or greater autonomy,
will lead assisted suicide to the plateau of acceptable practice."
Assisted suicide is being marketed as a new "civil law," but will we fall for it? Are we goingto offer suicide prevention
to most people who are suicidal, but exclude the elderly, sick and disabled?
How long before a so-called option turns into waiting and then into homework?
Real civil rights are non-discrimination and equal protection of laws. That is why all the major U.S. national organizations for people with disabilities that have taken a stand on assisted suicide laws oppose it.
Finally, perhaps the biggest concern should be the pressures of reducing health care costs. As Hemlock Society co-founder Derek Humphry wrote, "... the economy, not the search for expanded individual freedoms or greater autonomy,
will lead assisted suicide to the plateau of acceptable practice."
Assisted suicide is being marketed as a new "civil law," but will we fall for it? Are we goingto offer suicide prevention
to most people who are suicidal, but exclude the elderly, sick and disabled?
How long before a so-called option turns into waiting and then into homework?
Real civil rights are non-discrimination and equal protection of laws. That is why all the major U.S. national organizations for people with disabilities that have taken a stand on assisted suicide laws oppose it.