Delaware governor vetos assisted suicide bill, cites being ‘morally opposed to’ laws enabling people ‘to take their own life’
Caroline MolloyDemocratic 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.”
