The Patients’ Rights Action Fund and its numerous allies in the disability, medical, and religious communities commend Governor Joe Lombardo for his veto of SB 239, legislation that would have for the first time legalized assisted suicide in Nevada. 

“The bill contained deadly harm and discrimination for the vulnerable – older people, people of color, people with disabilities and those with low incomes. All of these groups already face steep challenges gaining access to health care and assisted suicide is just one more potentially deadly hurdle for them,” stated Matt Vallière, Executive Director and President of the Patients’ Rights Action Fund. 

“In addition, Nevada medical professionals and facilities, despite ethical objections, would have been forced to participate in the prescription and delivery of lethal drugs to suicidal patients. With no residency requirement, this deadly and discriminatory public policy would have put vulnerable people from other states and countries at risk with Nevada designated as a suicide tourist destination. Nevada continues to be a safe place for all thanks to the veto action of Governor Lombardo.”