Members of the House:
I am a lawyer in Washington State where assisted suicide is legal. I urge you to oppose SB 426, which establishes a commission to study "end-of-life choices," a euphemism for assisted suicide and euthanasia for people who are not necessarily dying anytime soon. Bills legalizing these practices, in the fine print, do not assure choice; they are uniformly stacked against the patient. "Eligible" patients may have years, even decades, to live. (not end of life).
Specific Objections to SB 426:
1. The New Hampshire House has already extensively studied assisted suicide/euthanasia, and rejected it.
2. Given the bill's deceptive language, the proposed commission will promote assisted suicide and euthanasia without being clear as to what's being discussed, and for whom it's being discussed (non-dying people). The deceptiveness alone is bad public policy.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Rhode Island, Providence Journal Article
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20160323/both-sides-bring-painful-stories-to-end-of-life-debate
By Jennifer Bogdan, Journal State House Bureau
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Susanna Brown couldn't make it to the State House Wednesday night to testify against a bill that could allow her to end her own life.
The 75-year-old North Scituate resident has breast cancer that has spread to her bones, and she's struggling with her latest chemotherapy treatment. So she sent her daughter, Julie Lamin, to tell lawmakers this:
"She insisted that I come and speak on her behalf because this bill insults the dignity of her life," Lamin said. "She wanted to tell you that her life is valuable until that last breath and that this bill really scares her ... because someone could say, 'Well you're going to be suffering, and we don't want you to suffer. You can end it early.'"
 | |||
| "This bill encourages people to throw away their lives" |
By Jennifer Bogdan, Journal State House Bureau
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Susanna Brown couldn't make it to the State House Wednesday night to testify against a bill that could allow her to end her own life.
The 75-year-old North Scituate resident has breast cancer that has spread to her bones, and she's struggling with her latest chemotherapy treatment. So she sent her daughter, Julie Lamin, to tell lawmakers this:
"She insisted that I come and speak on her behalf because this bill insults the dignity of her life," Lamin said. "She wanted to tell you that her life is valuable until that last breath and that this bill really scares her ... because someone could say, 'Well you're going to be suffering, and we don't want you to suffer. You can end it early.'"
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Rhode Island: Press Release
https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/press-release-03-22-161.pdf
Dore: “The bill is sold as assuring patient
choice and control. The bill is instead
stacked against the patient and a recipe for elder abuse.”
Contact: Margaret Dore
(206) 697-1217
Providence, RI – Attorney Margaret Dore, president of Choice is an Illusion, which has fought assisted suicide/euthanasia legalization efforts in many states and now Rhode Island, made the following statement in connection with tomorrow's legislative hearing on a bill seeking to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia in that state. (H 7659, hearing Wednesday, 3/23/16, Rise of the House).
"There is a bill pending before the Rhode Island House of Representatives, which seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined," said Dore. "The bill describes these practices as 'hastening death,' but there is no requirement that a person be near death. Indeed, ‘eligible’ persons may have years, even decades, to live.”
Dore said, "The bill is sold as assuring patient choice and control. The bill is instead stacked against the patient and a recipe for elder abuse.” Dore elaborated, “The patient's heir, who will financially benefit from the patient's death, is allowed to actively participate in signing the patient up for the lethal dose. After that, no doctor, not even a witness, is required to be present at the death. Even if the patient struggled, who would know?” Dore concluded, “The bill creates the perfect crime.”
Contact: Margaret Dore
(206) 697-1217
Providence, RI – Attorney Margaret Dore, president of Choice is an Illusion, which has fought assisted suicide/euthanasia legalization efforts in many states and now Rhode Island, made the following statement in connection with tomorrow's legislative hearing on a bill seeking to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia in that state. (H 7659, hearing Wednesday, 3/23/16, Rise of the House).
"There is a bill pending before the Rhode Island House of Representatives, which seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined," said Dore. "The bill describes these practices as 'hastening death,' but there is no requirement that a person be near death. Indeed, ‘eligible’ persons may have years, even decades, to live.”
Dore said, "The bill is sold as assuring patient choice and control. The bill is instead stacked against the patient and a recipe for elder abuse.” Dore elaborated, “The patient's heir, who will financially benefit from the patient's death, is allowed to actively participate in signing the patient up for the lethal dose. After that, no doctor, not even a witness, is required to be present at the death. Even if the patient struggled, who would know?” Dore concluded, “The bill creates the perfect crime.”
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Minnesota Senator Withdraws Bill
This afternoon, Senator Chris Eaton withdrew SF 1880, which had sought to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia in Minnesota.
Senator Eaton did not have the votes to pass the bill out of committee.
To view a legal/policy memo analyzing the bill, click here. To view the memo's attachments, click here.
Margaret Dore, Esq., MBA
Senator Eaton did not have the votes to pass the bill out of committee.
To view a legal/policy memo analyzing the bill, click here. To view the memo's attachments, click here.
Margaret Dore, Esq., MBA
Monday, March 14, 2016
Minnesota: Dore Memo Opposing Assisted-Suicide/Euthanasia Bill
Intro Re Minnesota Bill SF 1880:
The proposed bill seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined. The bill calls these practices, “aid in dying.” The bill does not, however, require that a patient be dying. Indeed, “eligible” patients may have years or even decades to live.
The bill also legalizes undue influence as that term is traditionally defined. The bill is otherwise stacked against the patient and a recipe for elder abuse. I urge you to vote “No” on SF 1880. Don’t be fooled.
To view the full memo, click here. To view the attachments, click here.
The proposed bill seeks to legalize physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined. The bill calls these practices, “aid in dying.” The bill does not, however, require that a patient be dying. Indeed, “eligible” patients may have years or even decades to live.
The bill also legalizes undue influence as that term is traditionally defined. The bill is otherwise stacked against the patient and a recipe for elder abuse. I urge you to vote “No” on SF 1880. Don’t be fooled.
To view the full memo, click here. To view the attachments, click here.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Assisted Suicide Proponents Wilt After Tough Questioning by Committee
From Stop Assisted Suicide Maryland
 |
| Margaret Dore, Esq. |
Posted
on February 26, 2016
(Annopolis MD) Proponents
of physician-assisted suicide struggled to answer the tough questions thrown at
them at yesterday’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing on SB 418. The
Committee met late into the night with Senators raising significant concerns
with the bill and its lack of protections.
The
message from proponents, led by national group Compassion & Choices, was
that any protections in the law would stall a patient’s ability to get a lethal
prescription from their physician. And questions surrounding these increased
protections continuously baffled witnesses. There is nothing in this bill that
would require a mental health screening, or ensure a physician is present at the
time the lethal dose is taken. Proponents’ response to these concerns is that
the Maryland healthcare system can’t support these types of mandates. This is a
weak excuse when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable populations who will
be at risk if this bill is passed.
In
fact, across the board proponents neglect to mention the issues in this
legislation that would put our most vulnerable populations at risk. One witness
in support of the bill, even referred to the disabled community’s concerns
surrounding abuse and coercion of the vulnerable as irresponsible. ... This is a community that has consistently faced discrimination in
healthcare laws. To not consider the threat to this community is
irresponsible.
Powerful
testimony was presented by an elder law attorney [Margaret Dore] who raised the significant
potential for elder abuse surrounding this legislation.* She stated that in her
experience, it is very common that family members are coercing elderly relatives
for financial reasons. In confusing answers, proponents pushed back against
protections that would disqualify witnesses who would benefit financially from a
death, using the unacceptable excuse that it would leave family out of this
process.
The
Senate Committee brought some important questions to the table and it was clear
that proponents were not prepared to answer. Maybe it’s because they know the
physician assisted suicide bill in Maryland is indefensible.
* To view Ms. Dore's written testimony, please see memo here; click here for the appendix.
* To view Ms. Dore's written testimony, please see memo here; click here for the appendix.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Maryland senator withdraws assisted suicide/euthanasia bill
http://wtop.com/maryland/2016/03/maryland-right-to-die-measure-could-have-committee-vote/
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland senator has withdrawn a measure to allow terminally ill residents to legally end their lives with drugs prescribed by a doctor.
[The bill, SB 418, would have legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined]*
Sen. Ron Young, a Frederick County Democrat, said he withdrew the bill Thursday, when it became clear the measure did not have the votes in committee....
The bill stalled last year, but supporters hoped adding some safeguards would help.
Young says he doubts he will try again next year, because he says committee opponents are “just totally inflexible on it.” Opponents cited concerns that vulnerable people like the developmentally disabled could be pressured to end their lives.
* See memo, pp. 1, 8-10; click here for the appendix.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland senator has withdrawn a measure to allow terminally ill residents to legally end their lives with drugs prescribed by a doctor.
[The bill, SB 418, would have legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined]*
Sen. Ron Young, a Frederick County Democrat, said he withdrew the bill Thursday, when it became clear the measure did not have the votes in committee....
The bill stalled last year, but supporters hoped adding some safeguards would help.
Young says he doubts he will try again next year, because he says committee opponents are “just totally inflexible on it.” Opponents cited concerns that vulnerable people like the developmentally disabled could be pressured to end their lives.
* See memo, pp. 1, 8-10; click here for the appendix.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Breaking News: Nebraska Bill Voted Down!
A Nebraska Senator just wrote me:
Dear Ms. Dore,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with LB1056. The Judiciary Committee voted against letting this bill out of committee this afternoon.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Dore Opposition to Nebraska Bill Seeking to Legalize Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Dear Senator Seiler and Members of the Judiciary Committee,
The Introducer's Statement of Intent says that the bill is intended for dying people "when death is certain and imminent." This is not true. The bill, in fact, applies to people with years, even decades, to live. Please see the memo at this link: https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/nebraska-partial-memo-years-to-live.pdf
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Margaret Dore, Esq., MBA
Law Offices of Margaret K. Dore, P.S.
Choice is an Illusion, a nonprofit corporation
www.margaretdore.com
www.choiceillusion.org
1001 4th Avenue, Suite 4400
Seattle, WA 98154
The Introducer's Statement of Intent says that the bill is intended for dying people "when death is certain and imminent." This is not true. The bill, in fact, applies to people with years, even decades, to live. Please see the memo at this link: https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/02/nebraska-partial-memo-years-to-live.pdf
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Margaret Dore, Esq., MBA
Law Offices of Margaret K. Dore, P.S.
Choice is an Illusion, a nonprofit corporation
www.margaretdore.com
www.choiceillusion.org
1001 4th Avenue, Suite 4400
Seattle, WA 98154
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Don't pretend it's not assisted suicide - at least
 |
| Editorial Board: The bill "is a huge jump ... setting up a system whose abuse could literally mean murder." |
Deceptive names for legislation are nothing new, but this takes the cake.
Introduced by Democrat Amy Paulin in the Assembly and Republican John Bonacic in the state Senate, the bill would make it easier for terminal New York patients to get doctors to give them fatal doses of drugs.
They call it an “aid in dying” bill, but “Assisted Suicide Enhancement Act” is more to the point.
Or “The Streamlining Euthanasia Act.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Colorado Assisted Suicide Bills Are a Recipe for Elder Abuse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dore: "Even if you like the concept of assisted suicide and euthanasia, the proposed Colorado bills have it all wrong."
Contact: Margaret Dore (206) 697-1217
Denver, CO -- Attorney Margaret Dore, president of Choice is an Illusion, which has fought assisted suicide legalization efforts in many states and now Colorado, made the following statement in connection with legislative hearings being held today and tomorrow on bills seeking to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia in that state.
"The bills, SB 16-025 and HB 16-1054, seek to legalize physician-assisted suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined," said Dore. "The bills are described as 'aid in dying,' but their reach is not limited to dying people. 'Eligible' persons may have years, even decades, to live."
Dore said, "The bills are a recipe for elder abuse. The patient's heir, who will financially benefit from the patient's death, is allowed to actively participate in signing the patient up for the lethal dose. There is no oversight over administration." Dore elaborated, "No doctor, not even a witness, is required to be present at the death. Even if the patient struggled, who would know? The bills create the perfect crime."
"It gets worse," said Dore. "The bills require the death certificate to be falsified to reflect a death by a terminal illness. The significance is a loss of transparency as to the true cause of death and an inability to prosecute in the case of an outright murder for the money; the death, as a matter of law is a terminal illness."
The Colorado bills seek to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia for people who are "terminal," which is defined as a doctor's prediction of less than six months to live. In real life, such persons can have years, even decades, to live.
"Doctors can be wrong about life expectancy, sometimes way wrong," Dore said. "This is due to actual mistakes: They evaluated another patient's test results. More typically, however, doctors are wrong because predicting life expectancy is not an exact science. A few years ago, I was met at the airport by a man who at age 18 had been diagnosed with ALS and given 3 to 5 years to live, at which time he was predicted to die by paralysis. The diagnosis had been confirmed by the Mayo Clinic. When he met me at the airport, he was 74 years old. The disease progression had stopped on its own."
"If the Colorado bills become law, there will be new lethal paths of elder abuse, which will be legally sanctioned and hidden from view," said Dore. "People with years, even decades to live, will be encouraged to throw away their lives. Even if you like the concept of assisted suicide and euthanasia, the proposed Colorado bills have it all wrong."
For back up documentation, please see below:.
1. Memo from Margaret Dore, Esq., MBA, to the Colorado Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee and to the Colorado House Judiciary Committee, January 30, 2016, available here: https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/colorado-memo-01-30-16.pdf and here:
https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/colorado-memo-attachment_001.pdf
2. Margaret K. Dore, "'Death with Dignity': What Do We Advise Our Clients?," King County Bar Association, Bar Bulletin, May 2009,https://www.kcba.org/newsevents/barbulletin/BView.aspx?Month=05&Year=2009&AID=article5.htm
3. Nina Shapiro, "Terminal Uncertainty: Washington's new "Death With Dignity" law allows doctors to help people commit suicide-once they've determined that the patient has only six months to live. But what if they're wrong?" Seattle Weekly, 01/14/09, available at https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/terminal-uncertainty-w-o-ad.pdf
Dore: "Even if you like the concept of assisted suicide and euthanasia, the proposed Colorado bills have it all wrong."
Contact: Margaret Dore (206) 697-1217
Denver, CO -- Attorney Margaret Dore, president of Choice is an Illusion, which has fought assisted suicide legalization efforts in many states and now Colorado, made the following statement in connection with legislative hearings being held today and tomorrow on bills seeking to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia in that state.
"The bills, SB 16-025 and HB 16-1054, seek to legalize physician-assisted suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia as those terms are traditionally defined," said Dore. "The bills are described as 'aid in dying,' but their reach is not limited to dying people. 'Eligible' persons may have years, even decades, to live."
Dore said, "The bills are a recipe for elder abuse. The patient's heir, who will financially benefit from the patient's death, is allowed to actively participate in signing the patient up for the lethal dose. There is no oversight over administration." Dore elaborated, "No doctor, not even a witness, is required to be present at the death. Even if the patient struggled, who would know? The bills create the perfect crime."
"It gets worse," said Dore. "The bills require the death certificate to be falsified to reflect a death by a terminal illness. The significance is a loss of transparency as to the true cause of death and an inability to prosecute in the case of an outright murder for the money; the death, as a matter of law is a terminal illness."
The Colorado bills seek to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia for people who are "terminal," which is defined as a doctor's prediction of less than six months to live. In real life, such persons can have years, even decades, to live.
"Doctors can be wrong about life expectancy, sometimes way wrong," Dore said. "This is due to actual mistakes: They evaluated another patient's test results. More typically, however, doctors are wrong because predicting life expectancy is not an exact science. A few years ago, I was met at the airport by a man who at age 18 had been diagnosed with ALS and given 3 to 5 years to live, at which time he was predicted to die by paralysis. The diagnosis had been confirmed by the Mayo Clinic. When he met me at the airport, he was 74 years old. The disease progression had stopped on its own."
"If the Colorado bills become law, there will be new lethal paths of elder abuse, which will be legally sanctioned and hidden from view," said Dore. "People with years, even decades to live, will be encouraged to throw away their lives. Even if you like the concept of assisted suicide and euthanasia, the proposed Colorado bills have it all wrong."
For back up documentation, please see below:.
1. Memo from Margaret Dore, Esq., MBA, to the Colorado Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee and to the Colorado House Judiciary Committee, January 30, 2016, available here: https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/colorado-memo-01-30-16.pdf and here:
https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/colorado-memo-attachment_001.pdf
2. Margaret K. Dore, "'Death with Dignity': What Do We Advise Our Clients?," King County Bar Association, Bar Bulletin, May 2009,https://www.kcba.org/newsevents/barbulletin/BView.aspx?Month=05&Year=2009&AID=article5.htm
3. Nina Shapiro, "Terminal Uncertainty: Washington's new "Death With Dignity" law allows doctors to help people commit suicide-once they've determined that the patient has only six months to live. But what if they're wrong?" Seattle Weekly, 01/14/09, available at https://choiceisanillusion.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/terminal-uncertainty-w-o-ad.pdf
-00-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)