Brittany Maynard, Death With Dignity Advocate, Dies At 29

[KamaAina]

100. Um, not so fast.

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article3480794.html

Why, when listing opponents, did The Sacramento Bee editorial pushing an assisted-suicide law ignore the disability community? (“Give the dying the right to pick how and when to die”: Editorials, Oct. 26) We could be those most affected.

As a disability-rights advocate and person living with a disability, I know our concerns aren’t just “fear-mongering.” Rather, legalizing assisted-suicide is a direct threat to our community as well as to the elderly, people with chronic illness and others marginalized by society....

When Oregonian Barbara Wagner was prescribed chemotherapy for aggressive lung cancer, the Oregon health plan refused to cover it. They offered, instead, among other things, to pay for her assisted suicide. Randy Stroup, another Oregonian with cancer, received a similar denial. Is there any wonder why? Treating people with terminal or chronic illness is expensive. At roughly $300, assisted suicide is the cheapest “treatment.”...

Brittany Maynard’s story is tragic. When you look at assisted suicide through the narrow lens of one individual, it may look acceptable. But when viewed as broad public policy, assisted suicide is bad medicine.

The author, a friend, is no FReeper; she is at least as progressive as I am. No on 86!