Assisted Suicide Bill 6425 Has Died

by Alex Schadenberg

Elaine Kolb & Second Thoughts
 Connecticut

For original article, click here.

Connecticut assisted suicide Bill HB 6425 died today. It dies along with the other previous bills that have been debated every year since 2013. Other than reading articles from the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition or other similar groups, you will not hear about the death of the Connecticut bill.

Connecticut remains a special place with the disability rights group, Second Thoughts Connecticut, the Family Institute of Connecticut, and several other groups, who may disagree on many issues but can work together to oppose assisted suicide.

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.