Dear Advocates,
It is with deep regret that I bring you the news that Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has signed HB 140 into law, legalizing the dangerous and discriminatory practice of assisted suicide.
Advocates in Delaware have fiercely worked to protect their neighbors against this policy for ten years. They showed up year after year to educate, lobby, and engage their community, friends, family, and colleagues. These efforts paid off for a decade, but, after years of being outspent by proponents, a single vote margin in both the house and the senate squeaked this dangerous bill through and onto the Governor’s desk.
Their work is not over. Now, we continue to educate the community on what it means for them that this is now legal and how they can protect themselves and their loved ones.
We know how close this vote was - there is no overwhelming mandate for assisted suicide. This was the first state in four years to pass and sign this legislation into law, and they did so by the slimmest of margins. But the onslaught continues. You’ve received updates from me all through this session about the efforts underway to legalize in state after state, and to expand where it’s already been legalized. The successes I report to you are only because of the efforts of people who show up and spend their time and their energy to make their voices heard.
We all receive overwhelming numbers of advocacy emails asking us to get involved, but please know that the messages Patients Rights Action Fund send to you are sent with urgency and knowledge of when and where your voice is needed. A single vote margin made the difference in Delaware; can you join us to prevent this from happening in other states? The phone calls and emails you send to your legislators really do make a difference. Do you have more time to dedicate? Can you invite a speaker on this issue to address your club or community group? Can you submit a letter to the editor? Can you set up a meeting with your legislator to help educate them on the dangers of this policy? The opportunities are endless, as is the need.
There is work to be done, and we need your help to do it. And if you value our work, consider donating to our efforts.
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I am so proud to have worked with the advocates in Delaware who have given so selflessly of themselves to try and prevent this day. The work continues!
Onward!
Jessica
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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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