4/9/2019

Well, the time has passed for the Public Health Committee to report the assisted suicide bill out of committee.  The proponents just couldn't convince enough committee members to vote yes, despite multiple attempts.  The legislative session isn't over but it is very unlikely that this bill would pass as an added on amendment to another bill.   This will be back either in 2020 or 2021.  We can't afford to rest on our laurels.

I'm grateful for the tireless work by the Second Chance Connecticut, Family Institute of Connecticut, as well as others, including the members of Christian Medical and Dental Associations.  I testified on behalf of CMDA but also the American Academy of Medical Ethics. 

One of the things that we often talk about, and is scoffed at, is the subject of the slippery slope, i.e., a bill being extended for other purposes.

Hawaii's PAS bill is four months old, the ink is almost not dry, and they are already discussing extending it to include demential and Alzheimers patients.
https://patientsrightsaction.org/hawaii-hospice-executive-director-already-advocating-for-expansion-of-assisted-suicide-law/?fbclid=IwAR3AlKAy7sDF897yno2nyAS5TJ8ymIzKMtbeaQseVoRqZXZQhUBm9Ta3_xU

Canada is speeding ahead with their "medical aid in dying" for expanding euthanasia to children and mentally ill:

https://patientsrightsaction.org/slippery-slope-to-kids-and-mentally-ill-getting-euthanized-in-canada/?fbclid=IwAR09ri3Vhvq9LSBfcAaXTysa-PK66UhpYnYsFBHROgtXeaed1MDsgJXYJlA

4/1/2019

https://tinyurl.com/y2ztbhv5

This news article from today in the CT News Junkie was very encouraging and I'm so appreciative of everyone who worked tirelessly to defeat this dangerous legislation.  This seems to be no April Fools joke. 

This is no time to take a victory lap but to remain vigilant.  The final day for this to be reported out of committee is Wednesday before it is considered "dead".  Even then, the legislative session goes until June and, theoretically, it could be attached to other legislation.  One would like to think that it would not survive that attempt, but this is Connecticut. 

It was suggested that assisted suicide legislation may not come back until 2021, and this would be great, but those that support this will be back next year or the following. 

We should not become complacent.  Other things happening in the state of Connecticut have the potential to swing the legislature back toward a conservative/red look in 2021 and there is where our efforts should continue. 

There are other important issues:  abortion rights and the assault on crisis pregnancy centers, homeschooling, right of conscience/religious freedom. 

3/12/19

In Connecticut, HB 5898 is in committee for a hearing on the 18th of March.  Once again physician assisted suicide is being touted as the "compassionate" choice for suffering patients. 
Sadly the Connecticut State Medical Society has abandoned its' previous principled, and correct, opposition and adopted a neutral posture.  In states where PAS has passed, the medical societies have went neutral. 

Write the Public Health Committee and tell them that you don't want this dangerous bill moved out of committee for a vote.  Send your comments to phtestimony@cga.ct.gov   
Write or call your state senator and representative and encourage them to oppose this legislation. 
https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp