The demographic charts are already in steep decline because of reduced birth-rates, and now assisted suicide is attacking the elder side of the population equation. The proposition is when you are consuming a disproportionate amount of resources during your end-of-life struggles, then it is you duty to die. ? TN Editor

Despite not hearing about it often, assisted suicide is a major issue in the U.S. right now. In more than 20 states this year alone lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize assisted suicide, and almost every single one of them has been struck down — with bi-partisan support. A recent bi-partisan Sense of Congress bill introduced in Washington, D.C., has opened up the discussion at a national level, and paved the way for upcoming bills and debates in 2018. If 2017 was a busy year for assisted suicide legislation, 2018 will be even more so.

Though assisted suicide is promoted as freedom of choice, the economic forces that drive insurance companies, and subsequently patients' coverage options, greatly restrict self-determination for already vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities.