Not all safeguards are created equal
If you thought that the safeguards prescribed by Oregon's medical assistance in dying (MAID) law, and the similar laws in eight other jurisdictions, are too onerous, there are others to consider.
When safeguards become roadblocks, Part 2
"When safeguards become roadblocks, Part 2" continues exploring FEN's eligibility criteria, looks at other impediments to MAID, and considers one minimal change that recently has been made to Oregon's law.
When safeguards become roadblocks, Part 1
In the nine states/jurisdictions in which medical assistance in dying (MAID) is allowed through legislation or referendum, the insistence on extensive safeguards has served less to protect vulnerable individuals than to limit access to MAID.
“Why I hope to die at 75”
Ezekiel J. Emanuel, distinguished oncologist and bioethicist, a vice provost at the University of Pennsylvania, chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, an author and editor in the health care field, wants to die at age 75. Why would he make such a decision in what many would see as the prime of his life?
The slippery slope, voluntary decision-making, and equal protection
Slippery slope arguments deny rationality, moral precepts, and legal principles. Few of us who believe in a right to die go beyond the formulation of this right as a voluntary decision of one person about that person's life. The view that no one has the right to take from us the liberty to make such decisions to end our lives except ourselves appears to be the norm in this society for those who are near the end of their lives because of disease or condition. Voluntariness is inextricably bound up with the decision to die to escape suffering near the end of life.
Contrasts between the US and Canada in the use of both MAID laws and VSED
Not only is Canada further advanced than all states in the US with respect to Medical Aid In Dying (MAID or MAiD), it also has surpassed the US for those who want to Voluntarily Stop Eating and Drinking.
Is Medical Aid in Dying a Human Right?
This post looks critically at the view that Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) is not a human right.
Disability activist slams right-to-die (RTD) law proposed in Minnesota
The Minnesota State House of Representatives and Senate are considering companion End-of-Life Option Act bills, and committee hearings have begun. Since Minnesota is the state that will not permit even discussing end-of-life options among those who might want to decide the timing of their deaths with people who are experienced in how to achieve peaceful deaths on our own terms, it seems surprising that right-to-die (RTD) bills have been introduced in its legislature. Nevertheless, opponents of the RTD are amping up their arguments against such legislation.
Exploring Compassion & Choices’ approach to dementia, Part 1
Compassion & Choices is trying to do more for those with a dementia diagnosis through a new online "Dementia Values & Priorities Tool." This post is the first part of an exploration of C&C's approach to dementia advance planning.
Alternate Endings
A review of the new HBO documentary "Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America," 67 minutes in length, which began airing on August 14.