Martin Sheen Against Euthanasia Initiative Print
Written by Sherry   
Tuesday, 30 September 2008 06:44
Martin Sheen has made a radio and television ad against Initiative 1000, the euthanasia initiative in Washington State.that is being sponsored by a former governor. Good for Sheen.

Eileen Geller, RN, who is the campaign coordinator for the Coalition Against Assisted Suicide, points out a number of stunning flaws in the proposed bill:

Spouses and family members do not need to be told before — or after — a loved one is given lethal drugs.

Persons suffering from depression can be given a lethal overdose without any psychological counseling or treatment — nothing in the Initiative requires an assessment of potential depression by a qualified professional.

Health care insurers and HMO's could exploit I-1000 to save costs, since a bottle of lethal drugs costs far less than other end-of-life care.

Heirs to a patient’s estate are allowed to participate in the assisted suicide and to witness the request for lethal drugs. This would contravene existing practice governing wills and estates, a scenario that worries law enforcement because of the real potential for abuse.