The Risks of Assisted Suicide Laws for Disability and Eating Disorders Communities

 

Panel Discussion: The Risks of Assisted Suicide Laws for Disability and Eating Disorders Communities

This panel explores the significant risks that assisted suicide laws pose to individuals with disabilities and those with severe, long-standing eating disorders.

As these laws gain traction globally, their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities often goes unnoticed. We discuss how stigma influences both the creation and application of these laws, particularly in ways that harm people with disabilities and chronic mental health conditions. The panel also examines how societal biases can lead to dangerous assumptions that certain lives are less worth living, especially in the context of incurable conditions.

Our panelists include:

  • Anita Cameron: A prominent activist and Director of Minority Outreach for Not Dead Yet, with extensive experience in disability justice and advocacy.

  • Diane Coleman: President and CEO of Not Dead Yet, a disability rights activist and advocate against assisted suicide and euthanasia.

  • Jules Good: Programs Coordinator for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and founder of Neighborhood Access, focused on building accessible communities.

  • Natalia Hicks: Director of Community Justice & Health Equity at Inclusion Canada, with a focus on the intersections of disability and mental health.

Our co-chairs include:

  • Matt Vallière: Executive Director of Patients Rights Action Fund, dedicated to protecting patients from the harms of assisted suicide legislation.

  • Chelsea Roff: Executive Director of Eat Breathe Thrive, dedicated to preventing and helping people recover from eating disorders.

 
Previous
Previous

Beyond Terminal: How Can We Support Families Through Severe Eating Disorders?

Next
Next

Advancing Effective and Accessible Treatments for Severe and Long-Standing Eating Disorders