The Delaware General Assembly will not hold a special session to override Gov. John Carney’s recent veto of a bill that would have given terminally ill Delawareans’ end-of-life options. [Carney pictured right]
House Speaker Valerie Longhurst said Friday that she remains supportive of House Bill 140 but decided not to call a special session because neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives have the votes necessary to override the veto.
A different argument was presented by State Representative. Rich Collins [pictured here], who has been a vocal opponent of the bill, citing concerns that it could lead to seniors being coerced into prematurely ending their lives. Collins stated:
"I was an insurance agent for 37 years, and I sold life insurance and investments,” he told his colleagues in the chamber. “I had situations during my career where…the children of an older person made it clear they wanted their parents to go [die] because of the money. I have a lot of concerns about some people’s motives.”
DELAWARE - Governor John Carney has vetoed legislation that would have allowed for medical aid in dying [assisted suicide & euthanasia] in Delaware.
In June, the Delaware Senate ... passed House Bill 140, which grants terminally ill adults the ability to seek medical assistance to end their [lives] in a dignified manner.
In a statement, Governor Carney said he consistently opposed a state law that would allow medical aid in dying.
"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," said Carney.
Governor Carney went on to say he still does not believe a consensus has been reached on this issue. He noted that the legislation was passed by just one vote.