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AUTONOMY vindicated by High Court's Ruling
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Jan 19, 2006, 13:47

AUTONOMY VINDICATED BY HIGH COURT’S RULING

As Amici siding with Oregon, AUTONOMY stood alone against Not Dead Yet and many of the organizations in the disability community. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision, AUTONOMY board chair, Paul Spiers, stated in Boston, “This decision thwarts the Attorney General’s end run to undermine and limit personal choice and freedom. The disability community must always work to protect individual liberties, including the right to choice at the end of life. As a Board, we understood the importance of this case, and AUTONOMY has been vindicated by this ruling.”

From California, board secretary Alan Toy remarked, “This is a great victory for personal dignity and choice.” In New Jersey, meanwhile, board member Karen Hwang warned “Now that we have affirmed the right to self-determination, we have the responsibility to make sure it is not abused at the expense of the most vulnerable". AUTONOMY is committed to speak out on behalf of persons with disabilities on issues related to end of life care and patient-directed aid in dying.

“Our important work to defend individual liberties has just begun,” added Spiers. “We hope this will lead to a more open dialogue within the disability community on this topic. Only in this way, can we work together against efforts to disenfranchise not only us, but all Americans.”

For further information, and to contact or support AUTONOMY, please visit autonomynow.org

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