Today House Democrats will hold a hearing on physician-assisted suicide. The hearing comes the day after World Suicide Prevention day. An editorial in yesterday’s Star Tribune raised other concerns about the hearing.

Senator Michelle Benson, chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee released the following statement:

“This afternoon, House Democrats held a hearing on physician-assisted suicide. Many of those opposed to state-sanctioned suicide are in the mental health and disability community because when people are vulnerable, they are at the greatest risk of outside influence clouding their personal judgement. When people are facing difficult decisions or even desperation, the state should not be telling them ending their life is a way out.

“Instead, palliative care is a life-affirming option when the diagnosis is grim. It allows patients and families to make informed decisions about the quality of care and comfort at the end-of-life stage. In fact, we proposed a palliative care commission to discuss policy options that would support palliative care, but House Democrats opposed the bill. 

“Senate Republicans have increased funding and expanded health care access to those with mental health issues in recent years. It frightens me to consider someone who may be having suicidal ideation could be told that suicide is a positive choice for their life. Let’s be clear: it is not. Whether it’s done by a medical professional or an individual’s tragic decision, suicide hurts those left behind.  

“Finally, if physician-assisted suicide becomes law, it may be easier for some to remind those with a high level of care that it is cheaper for them to die than to keep them alive. The cost of care is not how we determine the value of someone’s life. 

“Physician-assisted suicide is a dangerous policy and we will not hear it in the Senate.”

Follow the Senate Republican Facebook page for a livestream of the hearing.