In Delaware, the sponsor of that State’s assisted suicide legalization bill has amended the proposal to include the terminally ill ”intellectually disabled,” who by definition, will often not be able to fully comprehend the nature of what is being discussed.
The amendment adopts the definition of “intellectually disability,” as a disability, that originated before the age of 18, characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills.”
Simply put, this means disabled people with significant intellectual impairments.
Such persons would be eligible (I take that to mean "selected") for assisted suicide if a social worker says they understand the death sentence being offered them.
The process would follow this regimen.
If the patient has a documented intellectual disability, the attending physical refers the patient to a licensed clinical social worker who will ensure that the patient fully understands the information about the treatment to end his or her life.
No medication to end a patient’s life in a humane and dignified manner may be prescribed unless the licensed clinical social worker has confirmed in writing to the attending physician that the patient understands the information.
Yet, by the very definition of what it means to be intellectually disabled, these so-called “patients" are people who are unable to understand the information the social worker is providing and who, moreover, can’t legally enter into contracts. They can’t control where they live! They can’t make their own medical decisions! They also can’t vote.... all in keeping with the prescriptions of the Delaware Constitution!
Yet, if these same persons are found to be suffering from a terminal illness, they are going to be able to "decide in favor of" assisted suicide if a social worker–who may or may not be ideologically predisposed in favor–confirms that they “understand” that they are receiving a poison prescription?
The assisted suicide regimen does not require the approval of a guardian, as would corrective surgery or treatment to cure or palliate.
When I was growing up, I was told we fought the Nazi’s during World War II because the Third Reich was a godless regime which corrupted everything we held sacred in America: the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a tranquil and peaceful life.
Look at the depth of depravity to which we have sunk in this country!
Is it possible that the people of the State of Delaware have become so morally bankrupt that they would support such despicable legislation?
We shall see.
In the meantime, the Catholic Bishops of Delaware and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops unanimously and vociferously must condemn the Delaware state legislature for even entertaining such deplorable and shameful legislation.
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