Bill to prevent assisted suicide in Georgia passes in committee.

The Associated Press reported yesterday that Susan Celmer, the widow of John Celmer (the man who died from assisted suicide after being counselled and encouraged by the Final Exit Network) testified in favour of Bill HB 1114, a bill that would protect Georgia citizens from assisted suicide.

The article stated:

"Susan Celmer told lawmakers her husband John could be living a productive life if it wasn't cut short. She testified this week before the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, saying her husband was on powerful medications that prevented him from making a rational decision about ending his life."

John Celmer

John Celmer was in remission from cancer but he was experiencing significant depression related to the toll the cancer had on him. He was awaiting reconstructive surgery on his face.

An article written by Jeanne Bonner and published yesterday in the GPB News stated that a Georgia state house committee passed Bill HB 1114 after hearing testimony from those in favor and those opposed to the bill to protect Georgia citizens from assisted suicide. The article states that:

Rep. Ed Setzler, an Acworth Republican, the bill’s sponsor says its goal is: 

“To ensure some of our most medically-fragile citizens can’t in a state of desperation be subject to out of state or in-state actors who make it their business to assist people in killing themselves,” he said. 

Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam is a Clayton County Democrat who voted against the measure.
“I’m kind of questioning prolonging life right now," she said after the committee meeting. "I have a family member who’s 101 years old. When she’s ready to go, she’s ready to go.”

The comments by Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam and other assisted suicide advocates show how a concept of assisting the suicide of a dying person will transform into death for the frail elderly and people with disabilities. When we consider the rate of elder abuse in America, people should shiver when they hear comments that identify an elderly person as "better off dead."

Georgia needs to pass Bill HB 1114 to protect people, such as John Celmer, who require protection from those who promote assisted suicide and euthanasia. These are people and groups that promote death for people, out of a misguided compassion.