By Dave Andrusko

A huge sigh of relief today as Delaware Gov. John Carney vetoed HB 140, a measure that would have legalized assisted suicide and had  barely squeaked through the legislature.

In his veto message, Gov. Carney wrote, “During my time as Governor, and since this legislation was first introduced, I have consistently opposed a state law that would allow physician-assisted suicide. I have always recognized, and do today, that this is a deeply personal issue. Supporters and opponents alike have thoughtful views on the subject, in many cases informed by their own painful, personal experiences.”

Gov. Carney went on to say

Over the past several years, I have listened to legislators, advocates, and constituents who have reached out to me and my team to share their views. I also followed the action of the Delaware General Assembly, where this legislation passed by just one vote in the House and the Senate. I appreciate the thoughtful consideration of the legislation, and I recognize that the bill’s sponsors made compromises in an attempt to limit abuse and protect vulnerable patients.

He pointed to the position taken by the AMA as another reason he vetoed HB 140:

I still don’t believe a firm consensus has been reached on what is a very difficult issue- in Delaware or nationally. 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.

While supporters listed many “safeguards”— it was “narrowly tailored” so that supposedly only “terminally ill Delawareans with a prognosis of six months or less to live” would be eligible— critics pointed out that HB140 poses many serious risks. For example,

• No requirement for in-person examinations, allowing patients to request lethal drugs via telehealth.
• Advanced practice nurses, not doctors, can prescribe these drugs.
• Lethal prescriptions can be mailed without any face-to-face interaction with a healthcare professional.
• Heirs and those who stand to benefit from a patient’s death can serve as witnesses.
• No mandatory mental health evaluations, and even if referred, no requirement for it to be in person.

“While it made it out of the Health and Human Development Committee in May 2023, it made it to the House Floor for the first time in April 2024,” according to  Sarah Petrowich of Delaware Public Media. “The legislation passed 21 yes, 16 no and 4 absent in the House, but failed its first try in the Senate, with State Sen. Kyra Hoffner (D-Dover) deciding not to cast a vote.

“Five days later, Hoffner voted in favor of the legislation, making the final tally 11-10.”

In a story strongly in favor of HB 140, Delaware News Journal reporters Isabel Hughes and Amanda Fries did include this criticism:                               

“Once society begins to accept the premise that some lives are not worth living, where does it end?” asked Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, a Republican representing Georgetown.

 

“We risk normalizing the idea that suicide is an acceptable solution to suffering,” he continued, “which could lead to broader and more dangerous interpretations potentially encompassing those with non-terminal illnesses or mental health concerns.”

Thank you. Gov. Carney.