FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2020 Euthanasia and COVID-19

Contact:         Ally Nathaniel, anathaniel@edslaw.net

Phone:                        973-365-2770

Elderly Americans and those with disabilities and terminal illnesses were dealt a serious blow in the battle for life on Tuesday, March 31.  And COVID-19 has put the state’s most vulnerable citizens at more risk now than ever from the state’s new and reckless euthanasia law.

According to Superior Court Judge Robert Loughy, the Constitution “does not establish a constitutional or fundamental right to protect or defend the lives of others.”  Based on this, Loughy ruled to permit the new law, which took effect last August.

Dr. Yosef Glassman, the lead plaintiff, is a rabbi and geriatrician whose religious beliefs have informed his courageous stance that physicians should not be forced to refer patients, or turn over patient files, to doctors who will put those patients to death.

Dr. Glassman was initially granted a restraining order, but this was lifted in August, allowing the machinery of death to begin its gruesome work. The suit also includes Hindu pharmacist Manish Pujara and Anthony Petro, a terminally ill cancer patient. 

Loughy declared that none of the three had legal standing, meaning they are not closely enough connected with the issue.

According to plaintiffs’ counsel, E. David Smith, Esq., “The Court’s refusal to give anyone standing to challenge ‘voluntary’ euthanasia throws New Jersey’s elderly and ill into grave danger.”

“The Court has missed an opportunity to tell people of all ages that suicide is not an option and that the elderly and the ill are valuable with every breath they take,” Smith said. The timing of this ruling is particularly devastating, he added. 

Coronavirus can have an especially devastating impact on the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.  Amid growing rumors of respirator and supply shortages, isolated from friends and family, they may come under pressure from advocates “informing” them of their option to take “medicine” to end their own lives.

According to Dr. Glassman, “The NJ system is rife for abuse and will be duly exploited, while desperate patients will suffer as victims, thinking they have no choice but to end their lives prematurely.”

Dr. Glassman admits he was shocked by Loughy’s ruling. “I deeply struggle with the NJ law that allows patients to kill themselves by using an “Easy” button set up by their doctor, who is charged with advocating for their lives.  The fact that the NJ-sanctioned home gas chamber is set up by the physician doesn’t make it kosher; in fact, this process is the very opposite of what we as doctors are sworn to uphold – the sanctity of human life to the last natural breath.”

“This case and law must be overturned,” he added.  But he cannot do it alone.  “My unpaid litigation bill is already over a quarter million and I don’t have the resources to continue.  I implore my fellow doctors and New Jerseyans to help me keep this fight going at LifeLineLegalFund.com.” 

About Smith & Associates:

Smith & Associates has served companies and individuals for over 23 years. The firm specializes in corporate law and complex litigation, fighting to educate and protect not only their clients, but the general population about their rights. Lead attorney E. David Smith has been featured on CBSN, ABC News, FOX News, and U.S. News discussing legal current events.