October 31, 2014

A Deadly Campaign Masked as a Personal Decision

Imagine that you are standing in line at your supermarket pharmacy. As you wait to pick up your prescription, the pharmacist hands the person ahead of you a bottle filled with capsules. The prescription bottle contains a strong barbiturate ...

April 14, 2010

ObamaCare High School: Reading, Writing, and Suicide Assistance?

Some years ago, I was speaking to a Nebraska state senator after testifying on a pending bill. I had explained that I wasn't saying that the bill would be interpreted in a certain way, only that it could be. Then he said something I've never forgotte...

September 27, 2009

Dial 911 for suicide assistance?

Live in Washington State?  In a crisis?  Suicidal?Call 911.Then what?A dispatcher sends crisis negotiators who, if they follow the suggestions provided at a recent negotiators' training session, could help you consider "all options....

September 21, 2009

Death talk for seniors

First, the bad news.  For the first time since 1975, Social Security recipients are being told they won't be receiving an annual cost of living increase in their monthly benefits.  At the same time, their Medicare premiums will go up, so mo...

September 6, 2009

Talking Seniors to Death

First, the bad news.  For the first time since 1975, Social Security recipients are being told they won't be receiving an annual cost of living increase in their monthly benefits.  At the same time, their Medicare premiums will go up, so mo...

October 4, 2008

An Open Letter to Baroness Warnock on Assisted Suicide

When she said people with Alzheimer's should be able to appoint someone to request euthanasia for them, Britain's leading medical ethicist, Baroness Mary Warnock, caused a firestorm of controversy.   A similar, but little known, proposal wa...

September 14, 2008

Oregon's Suicidal Approach to Health Care

Oregon seems to have found a surefire way to lower health care costs: Tell the patient you'll pay for drugs that will end her life, but not those that would extend her life.  Here's how it works:In May 2008, 64-year-old retired school bus driver...