Diane Coleman's Senate testimony on the Consequences of Legalized Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

Via Not Dead Yet

In case you're wondering why Wheelie Catholic keeps track of assisted suicide legislation - this is testimony given by the President of Not Dead Yet, who is also a lawyer, before the Senate.

She discusses the issues of assistive suicide and "right to die" in her own life. Her parents were told when she was 6 years old that she would not live past the age of 12 due to a neuromuscular disorder. Her diagnosis changed a few years later along with her life expectancy. She spoke eloquently about how friends of hers who did not use nighttime ventilators due to being discouraged by doctors and died. She is concerned about what will happen in a hospital with her health care proxy due to her disability.

She stated that federal court review and protection is necessary where life support is removed from someone is incapacitated. She goes on to say: "I’m also sick and tired of our allies on this issue, often our conservative opponents on other issues, who see assisted suicide and euthanasia as violating their principles, but see no contradiction as they slash budgets for the health care we need to survive."

Diane also stated: "Disability groups, however, object to the implicit claim that any of us need to die to have dignity. Needing help in dressing, bathing and other intimate daily tasks does not rob a person of autonomy and dignity. Unfortunately, popular culture has done virtually nothing to educate the public about how people with severe disabilities actually live autonomous and dignified lives. Our lives are portrayed as tragedies or sensationalized as heroism, but the real life issues and coping styles that most people will need if they live long enough are left out of the picture. No wonder people who acquire disabilities so often see death as the only viable solution. "

For more, click above to read the transcript.