Opposing Assisted Suicide

"Assisted suicide isn't 'choice;' it is the end of all choices. Doctor prescribed death is not 'death with dignity;' it is really the euthanasia of hope." - Wesley J Smith, JD

This past Thursday I was able to give a short presentation to Attorney General Sean Reyes about our position on assisted suicide. The assisted suicide bill - HB 76 this year - has failed for this session, but just as it has been presented the past few years, it will be back in subsequent years. We believe that assisted suicide is dangerous because it is a slippery slope that leads to unethical practices, it decreases a patient's choices, and it will have devastating effects on our suicide rates. 

1. Assisted Suicide is a Slippery Slope

As written, the current Utah bill requires eligible patients to have a terminal illness with six months or less to live. These safeguards have been put into place to protect both patients and physicians, but other places that have legalized the treatment aren't able to maintain them. Let's look at the Netherlands. Just 15 years ago, assisted suicide became legal in that country with similar safeguards. Now, the law includes those with chronic illness, depression, and even totally healthy adults that just feel they are finished with life. In Belgium, assisted suicide and euthanasia go hand-in-hand. There, those with autism, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, and even minors are being euthanized. Safeguards are useful only if they work. History shows that once the door to assisted suicide is cracked open, it seems almost impossible to contain it as initially intended. We can only expect the same fate for our country if the practice is legalized. 

2. Assisted Suicide will Negatively Effect Suicide Rates

In Utah, suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers. Our suicide rate is 60% higher than national averages. As this remains a grave concern among state residents, the government must not do anything to sanction the act of taking one's life. Many believe that if someone is already planning on committing suicide, it is humane to give them a "cleaner" option like assisted suicide. However, research shows that this is not the case. In states that have legalized assisted suicide, there has been an increase of total suicides and no decrease in non-assisted suicides as well. This means that legalizing assisted suicide doesn't decrease or even stabilize the suicide rate; It increases it. If like me, you believe our state can't afford an increased suicide rate, please join me in opposing this legislation. 

3. Assisted Suicide Decreases a Patient's Choices

Insurance options are already being limited underneath legalized suicide. In California, a woman in her mid-thirties was diagnosed with cancer. Her insurance provider denied coverage to her chemotherapy treatment, but offered the lethal dose of sedatives used in assisted suicide for just a copay of $1.20. There are multiple stories out there similar to this one. As devastating it is to many families including my own, it is not illegal to die. Assisted suicide doesn't give patients a right to die, it gives doctors permission to kill.

- Miriam Merrill