As you may know the New York State Assembly passed a bill to legalize assisted suicide last month. However the State Senate has yet to take action on this bill.
With just a few weeks left in the legislative session, it is imperative to take action NOW and contact your Senator. Let them know how dangerous this will be if passed into law.
As Torah Jews we believe that all human life is sacred and laws that undermine the sanctity of human life send a message that is profoundly dangerous for all of society.
Agudath Israel has long advocated on behalf of terminally ill patients, particularly through its Chayim Aruchim division, and notes that many patients with terminal diagnoses have gone on to live fulfilling lives well after their doctors’ darkest predictions have been pronounced. What is more, misdiagnoses, the influence of family members, or financial pressures can lead patients to make irreversible decisions to end their lives prematurely.
The Patients Rights Action Fund, which advocates against this practice has given additional reasons to oppose assisted suicide:
- Patients have been denied coverage for lifesaving treatment and offered assisted suicide instead.
- Pain and suffering, or even concern about it, never make it into the top 5 reasons why patients die by assisted suicide in Oregon. Rather, the most commonly cited reasons are disability related concerns, which is why the National Council on Disability rejects assisted suicide.
- Mental conditions are ignored and depressed patients receive the lethal medications.
- Doctors make mistakes and patients who are not dying receive the prescription drugs.
Please contact your State Senator below. and ask them to oppose S.138.
If you prefer calling your Senator’s office directly you can go here to find their contact information. Call and tell them you are opposed to S.138 Medical Aid In Dying Act