Lifenews.com reported on Vermont’s assisted suicide law on July 2016. An excerpt from Micaiah Bilger’s article follows:
“Three years after Vermont legalized assisted suicide, pro-lifers are beginning to witness the abusive effects of the law on the elderly and disabled.
Mary Beerworth, executive director of Vermont Right to Life, shared the story of a 91-year-old woman who was staying in a rehab facility because she broke her wrist. When her family was not in the room, Beerworth said rehab staff repeatedly asked the elderly woman if she was in pain or depressed; then they would remind her that she could commit doctor-prescribed suicide under the new law. Beerworth said the woman never was diagnosed with a terminal illness; she just was old and had a broken bone.”
What is the purpose of repeatedly reminding someone that they can kill themselves by assisted suicide? Vulnerable persons may perceive this message as one that says that their lives are no longer worth living. Such pressure can lead some individuals to end their lives.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide advocates tell us that persons should be able to decide when they die, it’s a matter of choice they say. Well, sometimes choice is an illusion. When, you are constantly told as reported in the story from Vermont that you can avail yourself of assisted suicide, is this choice? Hearing the refrain that you can kill yourself and the state will provide the means can hardly be good for patient morale.