October 28, 2026

By Colleen Miner
Respect Life Director

Over 30 people gathered in the Emmaus room at St. Peter’s in Plattsburgh on Sept. 26 to learn more about Physician Assisted Suicide at the Dying with Christ/Living with Hope educational day.

Individuals and couples from Peru, Plattsburgh, West Chazy, Morrisonville, Chazy, Cadyville, Keene, Saranac Lake, Malone and Canton learned from the guest speakers from Albany and Canada - Jessica Rodgers, coalition director for the Patients Rights Action Fund, and Dale Barr, a registered nurse for 40 years, including 25 years at Carefor Hospice.

Last fall when the conference was offered, many were fighting the proposed bill in New York State. The bill is now law and went into effect on August 5. News sources are reporting that 20 people in NYS have committed suicide under the new law although tracking the prescriptions is difficult. Once the prescription is picked up, there is no way to track it. Someone may change their mind, it could fall into the hands of another person or it can be sold. Safeguards are lacking.

The gathering took place on the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, two brothers that were skilled in the science of medicine yet never took money for their services. They are the patron saints of pharmacists.

The program is divided into three sections based on the video series from the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada, where Assisted Suicide was been legal for 10 years. Topics include: Session one: Discussing Death and Dying; Session two: Suffering, Pain and End of Life; Session 3: The Christian Duty to Care. There was group sharing and an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions during the Q & A period. Two deacons and one Catholic priest were in attendance.

All agreed that we need to have more information shared about the new law that will eventually affect us all - either a family member or a neighbor or parishioner will consider this out of desperation. Physician Assisted Suicide is already legal in 14 states, and another 16 states are contemplating bills that would legalize it. We need to accompany folks in their time of need not eliminate them. It is our duty as Christians to care for them.
Special thanks to the Dying with Christ/Living with Hope team: Steve Tartaglia, Family Life director; Deacon John and Dr. Maura Fehlner, Light of Truth Radio; and John and Colleen Miner, Respect Life directors.

The conference will be offered again next fall in another location. It has been offered in Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh. The team is currently looking for a possible venue. If your pastor is open to hosting, please contact The Respect Life Office at cminer@rcdony.org or 315-393-2920.