There was no episode last week as things have been moving more slowly than usual in the legislative department. However, today’s topic will revisit a significant development from last week that could have major implications for our ongoing fight against assisted suicide in Delaware.
As of January 21st, we have new leadership in the governor’s office. Matt Meyer has officially taken office as Delaware’s 75th Governor, and Kyle Evans Gay is our new Lt. Governor. Now, you might be thinking: what does this have to do with the fight against assisted suicide? Well, these two figures—though part of the executive branch—have the potential to play huge roles in shaping the outcome of this ongoing battle.
Let’s rewind for a moment and look at where we were last year when assisted suicide made its way to the Senate for the first time in almost a decade. It’s important to understand the process in order to grasp how crucial the role of our new Governor and Lt. Governor could be in the future.
To pass a bill in the Delaware Senate, all that’s needed is a simple majority—11 out of 21 senators need to vote in favor. Last year, the assisted suicide bill reached the Senate, and it came down to a very close vote. The vote initially landed at 9-9, with two senators absent. Those two missing votes were assumed to be key in making the count 10-10, which would have created a tie.
Now, when it’s a tie vote, that’s where the Lt. Governor comes in. The Lt. Governor is granted the power to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. So, if Senator Hoffner, who had previously abstained, chose not to vote again, it could very well have led to a 10-10 deadlock. The stakes were incredibly high, and we were on the edge of our seats. But here’s where things took an unexpected turn. Senator Hoffner, who had abstained the first time, ultimately voted in favor of the bill, and that pushed it through with a narrow 11-10 vote. That bill was then sent to Governor Carney’s desk, where it faced a veto. But, as we know, the legislature didn’t have enough votes to override that veto.
The fight isn’t over. And as we continue into this legislative season, it’s crucial to know where our new leadership stands. So, let’s break down the positions of our new Governor Matt Meyer and Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay on this issue.
First, let’s look at Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay. Last year, when she was still a senator, she voted *in favor* of assisted suicide. That gives us a strong indication of where she might land in the future. If her position remains the same, it’s likely she would vote to pass it again if there’s a tie. Now, Governor Matt Meyer’s position is a bit more murky, since we don’t have any past votes to refer to. But we do have some clues. During his inaugural address, he made a bold statement about standing up for “our values” against federal overreach. Meyer said:
“I also want to make this absolutely clear, if the President or his administration, or anyone, try to take away your healthcare coverage, or further restrict your reproductive rights, or undermine our schools, or try to come into our communities to harass folks who came to our country and our state in search of a better life; if they do these things, I will do every power you vested in me as governor to protect our residents; to protect our livelihoods, to protect our values, that is my pledge to you.”
Now, he was clearly speaking in response to the changed administration, inaugurated just the day before his own. But here’s where it gets interesting—he talks about protecting “our values.” And if you’ve been paying attention to some of the key word phrases used, you’ll notice that “our values” doesn’t actually include you and I. Because if you’re listening or reading this currently, I’m sure you’re actually for the protection of women and babies from the aggressive harms of abortion and protecting them in sports and schools
So, when you hear Governor Meyer talking about “protecting our values,” you have to ask yourself: what are these values he’s referring to? Are they in line with the pro-life stance that seeks to protect all human life, including those at the end of life? Or do these values reflect a different view that might leave vulnerable people like the elderly or disabled at risk of being pressured into choosing assisted suicide?
As we watched the debate on assisted suicide unfold for the first time this year in the House, many important points were raised. Dr. Neil Kaye, a medical professional, made it clear: assisted suicide is NOT the same as “medical aid in dying.” It’s important we get that distinction right. Suicide, as Dr. Kaye pointed out, is the only category of death among the five clinically recognized causes that *this bill*—HB 140—fits into. And despite the bill’s attempt to label itself as an extension of palliative care, the facts tell us it’s anything but that. Palliative care is about easing suffering during the stages of death; HB 140 seeks to hasten death itself.
During that hearing, the main point of debate in favor was “autonomy.” Proponents of the bill argued that individuals have the right to control their own death, to choose how and when they go. But here’s the question: At what point does our personal freedom, our desire to do whatever we want, go too far? When does autonomy become an idol?
This line of thinking reminded me of something Paul wrote in his 2nd letter to Timothy. He warned that in the last days, people would be “lovers of themselves.” He wasn’t just talking about a little self-care here and there—he was warning about a dangerous self-centeredness that could lead to a total disregard for others and the truth. In Wednesday’s hearing, we saw that spirit on full display as supporters of assisted suicide pushed for a system that centers their desires above all else. Some even went so far as to suggest that the laws of conscience, morality, and Biblical truth should be completely disregarded in favor of self-autonomy.
It was a powerful reminder for us all that we must continue to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition.
Now, although HB 140 made it out of committee, this battle is far from over. There will be more hearings, more debates, and more opportunities for us to make our voices heard. If you haven’t already, I urge you to get involved. Share your thoughts with your legislators. You can send a message today by visiting DelawareFamilies.org/assistedsuicide.