Delaware Governor surprises many by vetoing pro-assisted suicide bill

Delaware Democratic Governor John Carney vetoed a bill Friday that would have legalized assisted suicide in the state.

Lawmakers passed HB 140 in June. The bill would have allowed a terminally ill adult to self-administer lethal drugs (assisted suicide) with the approval of two physicians or APRNs.

Carney released a statement following his veto, in which he called assisted death a “deeply personal issue” but said that he is “fundamentally opposed” to suicide.

“I still don’t believe a firm consensus has been reached on what is a very difficult issue – in Delaware or nationally,” he wrote. “Last year, the American Medical Association reaffirmed its view that physician-assisted suicide is ‘fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer.’ And although I understand not everyone shares my views, I am fundamentally and morally opposed to state law enabling someone, even under tragic and painful circumstances, to take their own life.”

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington had previously expressed its opposition to the legislation.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Governor Carney for vetoing HB140 that would legalize physician-assisted suicide in Delaware,” Bishop William E. Koenig of the Diocese of Wilmington said following news of the veto. “I also want to thank the thousands of Catholics and others of good will who helped with their prayers and efforts to protect the elderly, ill and disabled of our community. All human life is created in the image and likeness of God and must be protected, especially the most vulnerable.”

The Patients Rights Action Fund, a disability advocacy group, had campaigned against the law, expressing its concern that the bill would negatively impact vulnerable people. The group, too, praised Carney’s veto, as did the Delaware Family Policy Council.

“THANK YOU, God!” Delaware Family Policy Council said in a Facebook post. “Thank you to all those who testified and wrote in and educated others on this legislation which would have changed the entire ethos of healthcare in Delaware forever! THIS IS A WIN!”

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