CA SB 128 is legislation currently being considered in two separate committees in the California Assembly. It allows for patients who have received a terminal diagnosis to request from a physician a lethal dose of medication for the purposes of pre-emptively killing themselves. In other words, this legislation advances doctor assisted suicide, sanctioned by the state. Somehow the California State Senate came to the conclusion that suicide is good public policy when it voted 23-14 in favor of this legislation.
The purpose of representative government is to provide for the common good of society. A legislative body which votes for its state’s health care professionals to proscribe medications with the intent of killing their patients is seriously misguided about its purpose. Suicide is an epidemic in our society at all ages, but in particular for our youngest, those who have not yet reached majority age. Laws are written to protect our most vulnerable members, the ill, the aged, and the young. And while this legislation applies to those over age 18, it still sends a very clear message to our young people that suicide is a viable option for dealing with your problems when they seem overwhelming (article continued after quote below)
“Once suicide is legalized in any form by the State, the message to our youth is that ‘suicide is okay.’ Oregon’s personal suicide rate has increased by 40% since the Physician Assisted Suicide Bill was passed by the State of Oregon in 1997.
California is now considering making this same bill [SB 128] a law. We must urge our Assembly members to oppose this destructive bill.”
— Aaron Kheriaty, MD
Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Director, Program in Medical Ethics
University of California Irvine School of Medicine
Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, MD is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Program in Medical Ethics at University of California Irvine School of Medicine. Dr. Kheriaty is an expert in the field of mental health in his private practice as well as his teaching career, suicide and the issues that drive it are part of his expertise. He recently spoke at the Dignity and Courage at the End of Life Conference held April 11 at Servite High School in Anaheim and had a great deal to share on just what is driving this legislation. He and fellow medical care experts Dr. Vincent Nguyen, MD, Mrs. Maureen Habel, RN, MA; as well as philosopher Fr. Robert Spitzer, SJ, PhD; medical ethicist Fr. Joseph Son Nguyen, PhD and pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church weighed in with very specific points as to why this legislation is so misdirected. But perhaps it was the presentation by Mrs. Stephanie Packer, a woman who is living with a terminal illness who most clearly spoke to this issue. Every one of these presentations was eye opening from their particular point of view or expertise. What became plain for all to see is that the forces behind this legislation the so called Compassion and Choice (originally named Hemlock Society) Organization is using the general public’s fear possible pain and suffering when faced with a terminal diagnoisis, to advance this agenda. An agenda that clearly has economic implications. It does not take an advanced degree in math to understand that a $50 prescription for drugs which will end your life are less expensive than medical treatment and care in a hospital, hospice, or home environment. When the value of the human person is reduced to a balance sheet, we have long since passed the point of seeing dignity in dying.
All is not forsaken however. The legislative process is designed to allow for a full and fair hearing. Now that SB 128 has passed in the full Senate, the State Assembly takes is up. First in the health committee and then the legislative committee and if it gets out of committee is faces a full vote in the CA State Assembly. Representatives will have to be on record of where they stand – on the side of those whom they have sworn to defend, or on the side of forces which are spending millions of dollars in professional lobbying and public relations. The next public hearing is Tuesday June 23 in the CA State Assembly Health Committee. For those who wish to attend in person and have your voice heard and body seen you can visit this website for all the information on how to personally participate. For those who are not able to attend and still wish to have their voice heard on the matter you may visit this website.
However you choose to participate the important thing is to participate. We are fortunate to live in a representative democracy. It only works though, if we participate. When we choose to absent ourselves, then we really do suffer the consequences of our actions, or rather inactions…
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Mark McElrath is president of Catholics at Work Orange County (www.Catholicsatworkoc.com)