CV NEWS FEED // Democratic Delaware Gov. John Carney this week vetoed a bill that would have legalized physician-assisted suicide in the state, explaining that he is “fundamentally and morally opposed to state law enabling someone… to take their own life.” Carney is Catholic.
The pro-assisted suicide legislation House Bill 140 had passed by only one vote in the House and Senate, according to a September 20 state government announcement about the governor’s veto.
In a statement, Carney explained that he has been opposed to legalizing physician-assisted suicide throughout his time as Governor, and from the outset of the bill’s introduction.
“As I have shared consistently, I am simply not comfortable letting this piece of legislation become law,” he said.
He noted that for several years he has been listening to various legislators, advocates, and others about their perspectives, and said, “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.”
He continued, “I still don’t believe a firm consensus has been reached on what is a very difficult issue- in Delaware or nationally.”
“Last year, the American Medical Association reaffirmed its view that physician-assisted suicide is ‘fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer,’” he stated:
And although I understand not everyone shares my views, I am fundamentally and morally opposed to state law enabling someone, even under tragic and painful circumstances, to take their own life.
As CatholicVote previously reported in June, the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware, issued a statement opposing the legislation, highlighting Catholic teaching that life should be protected from conception until natural death. The Diocese urged Catholics and others to contact the governor “and ask him to stand up for the elderly, sick and disabled, by vetoing this dangerous and immoral legislation.” They also called for prayers that the governor would do so.
After the governor’s veto, Bishop William Koenig of the Diocese of Wilmington expressed his “sincere appreciation to Governor Carney for vetoing HB140,” in a statement according to The Dialog.
“I also want to thank the thousands of Catholics and others of good will who helped with their prayers and efforts to protect the elderly, ill and disabled of our community,” the Bishop added. “All human life is created in the image and likeness of God and must be protected, especially the most vulnerable.”
Americans United for Life Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel Steven Aden hailed Carney’s September 20 veto as a “courageous action.”
“Many lives will be saved by this courageous action by Gov. Carney,” Aden said in an email statement to CatholicVote. “For now, Delaware’s elderly and vulnerable are not subject to the tremendous pressures of assisted suicide.”
