As we’ve already alerted you, last week California’s state legislature approved physician assisted suicide. The bill is now on the desk of Governor Jerry Brown and it’s up to him to either veto it or sign it into law. Time is of the essence here—and it’s important that all concerned citizens of California act now to tell Governor Brown to veto this bill.

Let’s recall a few things:

  • This bill was shoved through a special summer session of the state legislature that was meant to deal with the state’s Medicaid budget. Governor Brown has already expressed disapproval over the way in which some legislators manipulated this session to reintroduce this legislation. Remind him that he should not reward this type of behavior.
  • Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and the United Kingdom have all recently rejected physician assisted suicide primarily because they view this practice as incompatible with their duty to protect vulnerable parties. Remind Governor Brown that he should do the same.
  • In states like Oregon and Washington where the practice is legal, there is documented history of abuses. Tell Governor Brown not to introduce these abuses into the medical profession in California.

We encourage all concerned citizens to call, e-mail, and tweet to Governor Brown and tell him that you believe California patients deserve better. Tell your friends and family members to do the same. And act quickly.

Image by Ed_Uthman via flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Author Profile

Christopher White, Ramsey Institute Project Director