ADF commends signing of “Jesse’s Law”
ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND STATEMENT
June 25, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT ADF MEDIA RELATIONS: (480) 444-0020 or www.telladf.org/pressroom
ADF commends signing of “Jesse’s Law”
PHOENIX — The Alliance Defense Fund is applauding Arizona’s enactment Tuesday of a bill known as “Jesse’s Law.” The new law, inspired by the amazing ordeal of Jesse Ramirez, closed a loophole in the decision-making process for patients who are physically unable to communicate their wishes regarding medical care.
“Human life is valuable in its own right, and everyone deserves the chance to recover,” said ADF Senior Counsel Gary McCaleb. “This law ensures that seriously injured patients will not suffer the consequences of a hasty decision that could result in death by starvation or dehydration.”
The new law establishes a court process to obtain an emergency order to prevent a surrogate decision-maker from withdrawing the administration of food or fluid to an incapacitated patient.
Ramirez was seriously injured in a May 30, 2007, car accident. Barely 10 days after the accident, Jesse’s food, water, and antibiotics were withdrawn. He was then transferred to hospice where he would have died, but Alliance Defense Fund attorneys were successful in restoring food, water, and treatment to the young Gulf War veteran (www.telladf.org/news/story.aspx?cid=4163).
Ramirez, who was eventually transferred from hospice care to a rehabilitation facility, walked out of the facility in October, 2007, and continues his remarkable recovery at home.
ADF ally, the Center for Arizona Policy (www.azpolicy.org), promoted the bill, H.B. 2823. The full text of the bill is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/HB2823.pdf.
ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. Launched in 1994, ADF employs a unique combination of strategy, training, funding, and litigation to protect and preserve religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family.
5 Comments
Dear Sir,it is a sad state when human beings become pawns to do away with them if they seem useless/or need lenthy treatment to recover. Not surprizing our own government sanctions abortion,are we as a current society have the mindset of Hitler,at least this menance was held accountable,so should Planned Parenthood. Stop giving tax money to those who murder the innocent. We reap what we sow!!!!
I agree with Thomas .We will reap what we sow.(galatians 6:9
Thank you, ADF, for being there for all the Jesse Ramirez’s.
You make a difference in the lives of others, and give the rest of us belief in mankind again.
Thank you, ADF, for being there for all the Jesse Ramirez’s.
You make a difference for so many, and give encouragement to the rest of us. There are still people working to improve the lives of others.
Ditto to all the above comments.