[T]he lack of transparency in this report of the first full year of the D.C. assisted suicide program, as well as the lack of participation, call into question both its efficacy and its necessity. Any such program is susceptible to exploitation of vulnerable individuals, erroneous estimates of the end of life and the potential for abuse by those who perceive that an early death is always cost-effective compared to the hefty price tag that often accompanies continuing care. For these reasons and others, the D.C. Council should reconsider its obligations and its assisted suicide program. Palliative care benefits all of those patients dying in the district, not just a paltry but privileged few.
DC's Assisted Death Law has inadequate documentation
