Clermont Times

On May 1, 2024, Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Lou Correa (D-CA) introduced a resolution in Congress expressing concerns over physician-assisted suicide. The resolution highlights the risks it poses to vulnerable populations.

In 2019, the National Council on Disability released a report titled “The Danger of Assisted Suicide Laws,” recommending Congress enact such a resolution. This is not the first time Reps. Wenstrup and Correa have introduced this measure; they did so previously in the 116th and 117th Congresses.

Rep. Wenstrup emphasized the ethical duty of physicians: “As a physician, I believe physician-assisted suicide fundamentally goes against our duty to ‘first, do no harm’ and puts our nation’s most vulnerable – seniors and individuals with disabilities – at grave risk.” He added that every life has intrinsic value worth protecting.

Rep. Correa highlighted the need for quality healthcare for disabled Americans: "Americans with disabilities deserve access to quality health care and should be given every opportunity available to live quality, dignified lives." He stressed the importance of addressing mental health crises effectively.

Rep. Greg Murphy advocated for palliative care as an alternative: “Rather than support and facilitate access to physician-assisted suicide, we should prioritize expanding accessibility to palliative and hospice care to maximize the quality of life for patients experiencing excessive pain.”

Rep. Chris Smith underscored societal values: “Our focus should be on killing pain instead of making it easier to kill people.” He argued that assisted suicide undermines dignity by singling out vulnerable patients.

Matt Vallière from Patients Rights Action Fund praised the bipartisan effort: “We commend Congressmen Lou Correa (D-CA), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), and all the cosponsors for their effort... None other than the National Council on Disability... found that people living with disabilities are targeted for disfavored, deadly treatment."

Vincenzo Piscopo of United Spinal Association called attention to systemic issues faced by disabled individuals: "Doctors should not help overwhelmed people with disabilities kill themselves; rather our society should solve the underlying problems causing them to give up."

Diane Coleman from Not Dead Yet criticized public perceptions of disability: “Legalizing assisted suicide means that some people who say they want to die will be offered suicide intervention, while others will be provided suicide assistance... leading to a two-tiered system.”