North New Castle News

Delaware Right to Life is alerting the public about a new effort in the Delaware legislature to pass a bill legalizing assisted suicide. 

HB 140 is currently in committee in the Delaware General Assembly. The primary sponsor is Rep. Paul Baumbach (D-Newark).

HB 140 would allow a doctor to prescribe lethal medicine to a patient who is found to have less than six months to live. Two waiting periods are required and the patient must be given a chance to change their mind.

In a speech before Delaware Right to Life, Alex Schadenberg, director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, said the bill may be well intentioned, but the lack of safeguards can lead to horrific abuses. 

Schadenberg said suicide appeals to people who are depressed and in despair. They need comfort and help, not a way to kill themselves, he said. 

To become law, the legislation must pass the House and the Senate and be signed by the governor. No action will be taken on the legislation before January.