Evan J. Kemp Jr.

In the following viewpoint, Evan J. Kemp Jr. argues that because of the economic pressures that drive America’s health care institutions, permitting assisted suicide will result in the rationing of health care. People without health insurance or those who have disabilities may be coerced into “choosing” suicide to save society the costs of caring for them.The risks of allowing doctors to assist in suicide therefore outweigh any potential benefits, he concludes. Kemp, who suffers from a progressive neuromuscular disease, served as chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under President George Bush.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What experiences have disabled patients had with hospitals concerning “do-not-resuscitate” (DNR) orders, according to Kemp?
2. Who does Kemp believe controls decisions on health care spending...