Assisted Suicide
Maryland Right to Life is concerned with the protection of human life from its very beginning until natural death.
Assisted suicide represents a grave threat to elder persons, people with disabilities, the chronically ill, those with complex medical needs, and others who are undervalued by society or whose lives are deemed “inconvenient” or “too expensive.” Insurance companies and governments will try to save money by pushing lethal prescriptions that are cheaper than life-preserving treatments.
There is no realistic way to prevent coercion, abuse, or mistakes. Terminal diagnoses are often wrong. So-called “safeguards” do not work. The “safeguards” lack enforcement and investigative authority. Other states have demonstrated that the “safeguards” are often removed through legal challenge or further legislative action.
Resources
NEW Tri-Fold Brochure: The Reality of Assisted Suicide (PDF)
8 Reasons to Oppose Assisted Suicide (PDF)
“When They Say…You Say” – Arguments Against Assisted Suicide (PDF)
Assisted Suicide Abuses Hurt Patients (PDF)
National Council on Disability: The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws (PDF)
Assisted Suicide Statute: Fatally Flawed, Dangerous for Maryland Patients
The American Medical Association, the nation’s largest professional association for physicians and medical students, opposes legalizing assisted suicide.
The AMA Code of Medical Ethics states, “Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.”
Advance Directives
Do you have a Will to Live (Pro-Life Advance Directive)?
Report from the Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics: Will Your Advance Directive Be Followed?
For additional resources on assisted suicide, check out:
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
Want to support Maryland Right to Life’s ongoing work to educate the public about the dangers of assisted suicide? Consider making a financial contribution today to power our efforts! Donate