Senator James Lankford has joined the effort to reverse a Washington, D.C. ordinance which allows for physician-assisted suicide within the District. He, along with Congressman Brad Wenstrup, introduced resolutions of disapproval to overturn D.C.’s Death with Dignity Act.
“America must be a nation that supports and cherishes human life, no matter the age, ethnicity or health of that life,” said Lankford. “Washington, DC’s assisted suicide bill would erode our culture’s respect for life, and possibly lead to the mistreatment and exploitation of the disabled and most vulnerable among us. The District of Columbia has also not addressed the legality of their ability to create this law, since Congress has prohibited the use of government funds for purposes related to assisted suicide. This bill is about much more than dignity—there are far-reaching ramifications that could deteriorate America’s values regarding our foundational right to life.”
The main concern is that the definition of “terminal disease” is too broad and would allow people with diabetes or leukemia to choose physician-assisted suicide.
