We think equal rights should also mean equal rights to suicide prevention. . . . Diane Coleman, president of the disability-rights group Not Dead Yet.
Let us honor Connecticut's progressive tradition against discrimination by ensuring equal access to noncoercive suicide prevention services for old, ill, and disabled people, rather than offering suicide assistance. . . . disability community activist Stephen Mendelsohn (2015).
No matter how many safeguards go into the bill, we [people with disabilities] are going to be the collateral damage. . . . Cathy Ludlum (who has a neuromuscular disease that took away her ability to move) discussing the proposed 2015 Connecticut assisted-suicide bill.
It's always cheaper for us to die rather than be kept alive with needed services. . . . disability community activist John Kelly.
You never give a State power over innocent life because what starts as optional will inevitably become compulsory. . . . Internet comment.
Although Terri Schiavo's life may be over, the debate over the rights of incapacitated Americans is not over. Congress must right this wrong by ensuring that incapacitated Americans may not be deprived of their inalienable right to life without the assurance of the due process of law that our federal courts were established to protect. This will be Terri Schiavo's legacy. . . . U.S. Congressman Mike Pence (2005).
And, over time, [assisted suicide] kills the instinct, for caring for others in grave distress, that distinguishes human beings from other sentient creatures." . . . writer George Weigel in 2016
my suffering is sometimes unbearable, but the faith my loved ones have in me makes me able to bear it. Don't take that away, by legitimising assisted suicide as the right, and gracious choice." . . . poet, artist, and disability rights proponent Jamie Hale in 2018
"The two most common reasons people asked to be killed by (MAiD) were loss of ability to engage in meaningful life activities and loss of ability to perform activities of daily living. These are disability-related concerns, underlining the reality that pain is not the primary reason people ask to be killed." . . . Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Commenting on the 2020 Health Canada Euthanasia (MAiD) Report
TERRI SCHINDLER-SCHIAVO CASE
Links to Life Report Interview of Bobby Schindler on His Sister Terri Schiavo's Story & End of Life Issues
Other Terri Schiavo Links
KATE ADAMSON CASE