Minnesota: Final Exit Network Indictments Stir Debate - ADAPT Activist Gordie Haug Quoted!

SunThisweek has a new story about the Final Exit Network (FEN) and the suicide of Doreen Dunn by reporter Laura Adelmann.  This article focuses largely on comments and reactions from friends, neighbors and local Minnesotans.

Of most importance and interest for readers of this blog, the article also includes excellent comments from Gordie Haug, a disability rights activist and organizer with Minnesota ADAPT.

Excerpt from the article:

Gordie Haug, a representative for ADAPT Minnesota, a disability-rights organization, told Sun Thisweek he has concerns about a society that condones suicide.

He said when discussions were occurring about legalizing assisted suicide of the terminally ill, it was proclaimed a slippery slope that would lead to ending the lives of those who are not terminal, as in Dunn’s case.

“I oppose any policies and practices that threaten the lives of persons with disabilities,” Haug said, adding that he works with many disabled people suffering from depression.

Haug said there are treatments and options to ease pain and effectively treat depression, but with Medicaid cuts and tight budgets, Haug worried people may decide it is cheaper to take a life than to preserve one.

“I don’t think it’s anyone’s right to take their life,” he said.

Usually, when you get interviewed for an article like this, you're lucky to get on single point in.  Gordie's comments cover 3 or 4 different points.  Well done!  Wish I had a record like that.

Stay tuned, because this story and case will be around for awhile.

And deepest thanks to Gordie Haug for stepping up and providing great counters to those who support FEN and assisted suicide in general.  --Stephen Drake