The New Jersey Libertarian Party urges the passage of A2270 - the "Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill" bill. The NJ Libertarian Party platform calls for "the repeal of all laws interfering with the right to commit suicide as infringement of the ultimate right of an individual to his or her own life."
Feel free to write your own representative and ask them to support A2270. Additional information can be found on the Compassion & Choice - NJ website.
New Jersey Libertarian Party
PO Box 56
Tennent, NJ 07763
http://njlp.org (732)962-NJLP
Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll
146 Speedwell Avenue
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Dear Assemblyman Carroll:
We are writing to you today to convey our strong support for the “Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill” Act (A2270). This legislation affirms the right of a qualified, terminally ill adult patient to obtain a prescription from his or her physician for medication that the patient may choose to self-administer for a humane and dignified death.
As steadfast libertarians, we firmly believe each of us has the right of self-determination. The freedom to make our own choices, without interference from the state, is a fundamental American right. That freedom must include the freedom to choose a peaceful death over an extended painful decline. This legislation grants terminally ill adults of sound mind that freedom.
In addition to granting the freedom to choose aid in dying, the legislation provides safeguards to protect an individual from having “aid in dying” imposed against his or her will.
Aid in dying is currently legal in five states for physicians to write a prescription for life-ending medication for terminally ill patients who wish to exercise their right to a peaceful and dignified death. It’s time for New Jersey to become the sixth state where individuals have the right to self-determination at the end of their lives.
We recognize that this legislation, as it is written now, is very narrow in scope and allows for a considerable about of governmental oversight. While we would ultimately like to see the provisions in this law apply to more terminally ill Americans, the fact is any progress made towards protecting individual liberties is a worthwhile endeavor.
If you agree that Americans possess a fundamental right to life then you should conclude, as we have, that that right includes the right to decide when life is no longer worth living.
Please join the NJ Libertarian Party in supporting A2270.
Sincerely,
Patrick McKnight, Chair