New Assisted Suicide Guidelines Might Pressure Disabled to End Their Lives
11th Mar 10
A report in the UK’s Daily Telegraph says many people share Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s concerns about assisted suicide. For Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of Scope, Brown’s concerns “mirror those of the thousands of disabled people we support”. “Recent public reaction to assisted suicide”, he explained, “has been dominated by headlines about people who have wanted to end their lives.
Our concern is that the voices of disabled people, who feel they may be at risk if the law is changed, are not heard. We understand that assisted suicide is a complex and emotional issue. However, we do not support any weakening of the protection offered under the law, which is exactly what the guidelines published by the Director of Public Prosecutions do.
Many disabled people...
U.S. Bishop Says Hospital May No Longer Call Itself Catholic
8th Mar 10
The Diocese of Baker has ended the Church’s official sponsorship of central Oregon’s largest medical centre, citing the hospital’s refusal to adhere to certain Catholic teachings. Bishop Robert F Vasa said St Charles Medical Center in Bend “gradually moved away” from the Church’s ethical and religious standards and may no longer call itself Catholic.
“As bishop, I am responsible...
Disabled People Need Reason to Live, Not “Right” to Die, Says Campaigner
4th Mar 10
A leading campaigner for the rights of disabled people in the UK has warned that vulnerable people need support and encouragement—not help to commit suicide. Phil Friend, chairman of the Royal Association for Disability Rights, cautioned that any change in the law on assisted suicide would...