Legislators Need to See Our Tears

Author testifying in 2015

By Cathy Ludlum

American democracy is based on the idea that the voices of the people matter. As legislators struggle with difficult issues, trying to balance the needs of conflicting constituencies and solve complicated problems, they need to hear the perspectives of the people most directly affected.

This is why they listen to hour after hour of in-person testimony. Written testimony has its place. Studies and charts provide important information; but being in the presence of the people, hearing their passion, and sometimes seeing their tears brings us together as human beings and makes it possible for legislators to make the best decisions.

Euthanasia Bill Introduced

On March 2, 2020, assisted suicide and euthanasia bill HB 5420 was introduced and referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health. For the text of the bill click here.

A public hearing was scheduled for March 16, 2020, but was cancelled due to Corona virus concerns.

Aid-In-Dying Fails To Get A Vote

HARTFORD, CT—Connecticut will not be one of the state’s to adopt aid-in-dying legislation as its chief proponent threw in the towel Monday, not allowing the bill to come up for vote in front of the Public Health Committee.

“We just didn’t have the votes,” Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, co-chair of the committee said.

He said it also won’t be an issue next year since the membership of the committee won’t change.

Reject Act Concerning Aid in Dying (Bill 5898)

 

Margaret and Elaine Kolb

By Margaret Dore, Esq, MBA

1. The Act 

The Act seeks to legalize “aid in dying,” a traditional euphemism for active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.[1] 

2. Who May Be Most at at Risk?

Individuals with money, meaning the middle class and above.