(Oregon Right to Life) — The Democratic governor of Delaware on Friday vetoed a bill that would have legalized physician-assisted suicide in the state.
“During my time as Governor, and since this legislation was first introduced, I have consistently opposed a state law that would allow physician-assisted suicide,” Delaware Governor John Carney said in a press statement. “Over the past several years, I have listened to legislators, advocates, and constituents who have reached out to me and my team to share their views.”
“[A]lthough I understand not everyone shares my views, I am fundamentally and morally opposed to state law enabling someone, even under tragic and painful circumstances, to take their own life,” Carney wrote.
If signed into law, HB 140 would have made it legal for individuals in Delaware to receive a prescription for death-inducing drugs if they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a prognosis of six months or less to live. The language of the legislation contains safeguards meant to protect against forced euthanasia or medically-induced death for people suffering from mental disorders or non-terminal illnesses. However, opponents argue that the safeguards are not sufficient to prevent abuses.
“I am simply not comfortable letting this piece of legislation become law,” Gov. Carney said in his statement. “For the reasons set forth above, I am hereby vetoing House Bill 140 with House Amendment 1 by returning it to the House of Representatives without my signature.”
Delaware would have become the eleventh U.S. state to make assisted suicide legal if Carney had approved the measure. Oregon was the first state in the nation to legalize physician-assisted suicide when the “Death With Dignity Act” (DWDA) took effect in 1997. A total of 4,274 people have been prescribed the lethal drugs since the passage of Oregon’s DWDA, leading to the deaths of at least 2,847 people, a recent Oregon Health Authority report states.
RELATED: Oregon’s Disturbing Status as Assisted Suicide Destination Highlighted in New Report
Pro-life advocates who opposed Delaware’s assisted suicide bill have been enthusiastic in response to the news that Gov. Carney chose to veto the bill.
Jessica Rodgers, Coalition Director of the Patients’ Rights Action Fund, expressed “great relief and gratitude” in an email sent to supporters.
“HB 140 was a dangerous bill that would have legalized assisted suicide in Delaware and it passed both chambers by only one single vote,” Rodgers said. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of Delaware advocates who have shown up year after year after year, assisted suicide will not be coming to their state.”
“I have been amazed and humbled at the work of these doctors, nurses, disability rights advocates, and all who care for their vulnerable neighbors,” she continued. “Time and again when the call was put out to take action, they answered. And you answered- you called and emailed Governor Carney’s office and you made the difference.”
Alex Schadenberg, co-founder and executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, said Carney’s decision to veto the bill was “fabulous news.”
Schadenberg, who recently participated in a panel discussion and hosted a workshop about physician-assisted suicide at Oregon Right to Life’s annual “Together We Advocate” pro-life conference, added that “[l]ife-saving victories, such as this one, only occur with your support and commitment.”
Oregon Right to Life had also put out a call encouraging pro-life Oregonians to reach out to the Delaware governor and encourage him to veto the legislation. ORTL is deeply grateful to all supporters who took the time to communicate with the governor and share their belief in the intrinsic value of every human life.
ORTL joins Schadenberg in encouraging pro-life advocates to send a simple “thank you” to Gov. Carney for rejecting the deadly bill.
You can call Gov. Carney’s office at 302-744-4101 or send him an email at john.carney@delaware.gov.
Oregon Right to Life supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. We oppose all cases of euthanasia, whereby a person is deliberately killed through direct action or omission even if that act is by their permission. Read this and all of our position statements here.
