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Gary Blick is the co-founder and chief medical officer of Norwalk-based World Health Clinicians. He and his mother provided testimony in support of HB 5326 on Monday, March 17.
"The proposed bill would provide a personal and dignified choice to terminally ill, mentally competent patients who find that their interminable suffering has significantly if not entirely reduced their quality of life," representatives said.
Similar bills have become law in New Mexico, Vermont, Montana, Washington and Oregon.
“For 92 years, my family has known me to be a happy and healthy mother,” said Gloria Blick in a release before her testimony. “And while I am still very healthy, if I had a terminal illness I would want to remain that happy and healthy mother in the minds of all the people who love me; and this bill would ensure that by giving me yet another option in my own personal healthcare decisions.”
Gary Blick said, "Public opinion is shifting in favor of death with dignity policy," according to the release.
“Since 2008, we have seen five states adopt such legislation," he said. "And since I first brought my lawsuit to the Connecticut courts back in 2010 in an attempt to overturn the 1969 state statute that carries a second-degree manslaughter charge for anyone assisting a dying patient, I’m now confident that this state will be next in line to provide patients with yet another choice in healthcare. I’m proud to stand alongside my mother as we continue to fight for patients‘ rights, as well as with Compassion & Choices, the organization that has been at the forefront of this battle.”
For more information about Gary Blick or World Health Clinicians, visit the WHC website.
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