Liz Carr advocates for disabled rights amid euthanasia debate
An actress with a cause: Liz Carr’s impactful voice
Liz Carr, acclaimed for her roles in Good Omens and Silent Witness, has become a prominent advocate in the debate on euthanasia in the United States. Known for her passionate stance on disability rights, Carr champions the government’s decision to resist outright legalization of euthanasia, arguing that such policies carry significant cultural and social risks for the disabled community.
The controversial implications
Carr is a staunch critic of euthanasia programs, highlighting the societal bias these measures might foster. She argues that “For somebody who loses their job or a loved one and is left feeling suicidal, others will rally around and support them with suicide prevention help,” but when it comes to disabled or ill individuals, there is a disturbing shift in perspective—suggesting that it might be more acceptable for these individuals to opt for medically-assisted death. According to Carr, this outlook is deeply flawed and perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Encouraging harmful decisions
Carr warns that legalized euthanasia could unintentionally encourage disabled people to end their lives prematurely. She argues this could stem from a misplaced desire to “stop being a burden” to family and society. These implications are concerning as they insinuate that the lives of disabled individuals are less valuable.
A lifelong advocate
Diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita at the age of seven, Carr has faced her share of challenges. Her journey from patient to advocate has seen her actively speaking against assisted death for more than a decade. Her documentary Better Off Dead? serves as a powerful testimony to her commitment, having been recently screened before the U.S. Congress with support from several disability rights organizations.
Assisted suicide laws in the U.S.
Currently, assisted suicide is legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C., including California and Oregon. These laws stipulate that patients must be over 18, within six months of death, and possess full decision-making capacity. Despite 19 new bills introduced this year, no new states have passed the law since New Mexico in 2021. Notably, Vermont’s recent amendment removed the residency requirement, allowing non-residents to seek the procedure within the state.
The ethical debate
The subject of legalized euthanasia remains highly controversial. Advocates, like Carr, have spotlighted alarming stories, such as that of a Canadian veteran offered assisted death due to slow bureaucratic processes. Religious and ethical objections further fuel the debate, with opponents arguing for the sanctity of life and the need for humane alternatives to euthanasia.
Cases that shape opinions
Heartbreaking cases, such as Ayla Eilert’s agonizing battle with cancer, illustrate the complexities of this issue. Eilert’s plea for a doctor-assisted death—something not available in her state of New York—brings to light the suffering that some patients endure without such options.
The legislative landscape
The U.S. legislative stance is evolving. Recent vetoes, like that of Delaware’s governor, demonstrate the careful consideration given to this deeply ethical issue. As Governor John Carney stated, “I am fundamentally and morally opposed to state law enabling someone, even under tragic and painful circumstances, to take their own life.”
The ongoing conversation
“People are really thinking,” says Carr. ”They don’t want to make whole groups of people feel afraid, especially those who already feel very vulnerable.” As more states, including Illinois and Minnesota, deliberate on this topic, the conversation around euthanasia and assisted suicide continues to gain momentum.
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