Unfortunately, I must bring you the news that the Delaware state legislature has passed a bill to legalize assisted suicide. You likely recall that last year the Delaware legislature passed similar legislation by a one vote margin and was then, thankfully, vetoed by Democratic Governor John Carney. This session, sponsors have once again pushed assisted suicide and have once again passed this bill. The legislature chose to disregard the opposition of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians, the Psychiatric Society of Delaware, and the Delaware Chapter of the American College of Physicians in their actions today, as well as countless other medical and disability rights organizations.
It has been my honor to work alongside tremendous advocates in Delaware who have held back this dangerous and discriminatory legislation for a decade. This bill has passed with the slimmest of margins above the outcry of disability activists, doctors, nurses, and every day Delawareans who have spoken out on behalf of every vulnerable patient placed in danger by assisted suicide policies. The tireless advocacy I have seen in Delaware is inspiring and I am grateful for the opportunity to have witnessed the passion, intelligence, and empathy of Delawareans who have stood in the gap against this bill for so long. It is a testament to their efforts that this bill has passed after so many years of effort by the pro-assisted suicide lobby.
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This bill now moves to the Governor's desk, and he has unfortunately stated publicly that he supports assisted suicide. We will continue our efforts to educate the Governor and encourage his move to opposition.
I remain grateful for your efforts, advocacy, and support! Without it, we would have been here long ago in Delaware and many other states. Lives have been saved because your efforts have kept this legislation at bay for so long.
We continue the work!
Jessica Rodgers
Coalitions Director
Patients' Rights Action Fund |
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PRAF is a leading national, non-partisan single-issue organization that protects the rights of patients, people with disabilities, older adults, and other historically underrepresented groups from deadly harm and discrimination inherent in assisted suicide laws. |
| 954 Lexington Ave, #340 New York, NY 10021 (609) 759-0322 |
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