Fellow Democrats criticize Delaware governor’s veto of doctor-assisted suicide bill

Democratic Governor John Carney of Delaware has vetoed a bill that would have allowed doctor-assisted suicide in the state. In his veto letter, Governor Carney expressed his strong opposition to individuals taking their own lives with the assistance of state law, citing moral and fundamental reasons for his decision. He acknowledged the differing views on the matter but emphasized his firm stance against the legislation.

The bill to legalize doctor-assisted suicide had narrowly passed in both the House and Senate, highlighting the contentious and divisive nature of the issue. Governor Carney’s veto drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers who argued that the law should reflect the will of the majority of Delaware residents who support the right to physician-assisted death.

Despite the veto, supporters of the bill, including its chief sponsor Representative Paul Baumbach, vowed to continue their efforts to make doctor-assisted suicide legal in Delaware. They expressed disappointment in the Governor’s decision but remained optimistic that the legislation will eventually become law in the state, either through a veto override or new legislation in the future.

On the other side, opponents of the bill, particularly Republicans, raised concerns that legalizing assisted suicide could devalue certain lives. However, advocates of the legislation argued that it is about empowering terminally ill individuals to make end-of-life decisions for themselves.

Governor Carney’s veto was praised by advocacy groups against assisted suicide, who commended his commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from potential coercion or external pressure to end their lives prematurely. Currently, doctor-assisted suicide is only legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

The Delaware bill would have allowed terminally ill adult residents with a prognosis of six months or less to request lethal prescription drugs from healthcare providers. The process would involve multiple requests, medical evaluations, and waiting periods to ensure the patient’s decision-making capacity and autonomy. Despite the veto, the debate on doctor-assisted suicide is likely to continue in Delaware and across the country.