Significant concerns cited by Senators
from Marie Tasy, Executive Director
New Jersey Right to Life
Yesterday, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a second hearing on A2270/S382, the Physician Assisted Suicide bill. The bill was released from committee by a vote of 5-3.
The Chair, Senator Joseph Vitale allowed everyone who attended the chance to testify. The committee was respectful and attentive to all the witnesses, although there was a time limit imposed because of the vast number who came out to testify in opposition. The testimony in opposition included, but was not limited to, four physicians, (Dr. Alieta Eck, Dr. Ana Gomes, Dr. Matthew Suh and Dr. May Jen Apiado), many members of the Disability Community, including Not Dead Yet and Second Thoughts, Nurses (including hospice nurses), New Jersey Right to Life, Christian Pastors, Jewish leaders and individuals who were battling illness and disease but who were adamantly opposed to the bill.
Witnesses testifying in opposition overwhelmingly outnumbered witnesses in favor. The bill was released without recommendation which means that members voted to release but reserve their right to change their vote when it comes before the full Senate. Voting to release the bill from committee: Senators Vitale (D-19), Gordon (D-38), Whelan (D-2)), Codey (D-27) and Addiego ( R-8 ). Voting No to release the bill: Senator Madden (D-4), Senator Rice (D-28), Senator Singer ( R-30 ). One Republican Senator, Diane Allen (R-7) was absent and did not vote. Among the Democrats who voted to release the bill from committee, Senators Vitale (D-19) and Gordon (D-38) publicly stated they would vote No when the bill comes before the full Senate.
Because A2270/S382 was released from committee, it can be scheduled for a vote before the full Senate at any time. According to an updated article on www.nj.com, the bill will not be scheduled for a vote on December 18; however, Senator Sweeney, the sponsor, has said he will embark on an "educational campaign" to discuss the matter with his colleagues. Therefore, this is no time to be complacent.
At this time, we recommend the following action: Email and call all 40 Senators and urge them to vote NO on A2270/S382. You can send an email and obtain talking points here (Once you go to the link, scroll down on the page to view talking points.) P:lease feel free to modify these talking points and use your own personal experiences to convince Senators to Vote No.
Senators' email addresses are below: Governor Christie should also be contacted and urged to veto the bill. Call the Governor at 609 292 -6000. Email the Governor here.
NJ Senators
SenAddiego@njleg.org
SenAllen@njleg.org
SenBarnes@njleg.org
SenBateman@njleg.org
SenBeach@njleg.org
SenBeck@njleg.org
SenBucco@njleg.org
SenCardinale@njleg.org
SenCodey@njleg.org
SenConnors@njleg.org
SenCruzPerez@njleg.org
SenCunningham@njleg.org
SenDoherty@njleg.org
SenGill@njleg.org
SenGordon@njleg.org
SenGreenstein@njleg.org
SenHolzapfel@njleg.org
SenKean@njleg.org
SenKyrillos@njleg.org
SenLesniak@njleg.org
SenMadden@njleg.org
SenOroho@njleg.org
SenOToole@njleg.org
SenPennacchio@njleg.org
SenPou@njleg.org
SenRice@njleg.org
SenRuiz@njleg.org
SenSacco@njleg.org
SenSarlo@njleg.org
SenScutari@njleg.org
SenSinger@njleg.org
SenSmith@njleg.org
SenStack@njleg.org
SenSweeney@njleg.org
SenThompson@njleg.org
SenTurner@njleg.org
SenVanDrew@njleg.org
SenVitale@njleg.org
SenWeinberg@njleg.org
SenWhelan@njleg.org
We wish to thank everyone who has joined our efforts to stop this terribly misguided bill. Please continue to share these alerts with like minded friends and family. Our work is far from over!
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