In the Midst of a Terminal Diagnosis, JJ Hanson Fights for More than His Life

by | Sep 25, 2017 | Capitol Connection, Doctor Prescribed Suicide

Given just weeks to live after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2014, assisted suicide was an option, but JJ Hanson chose to fight. Three years later he and his wife Kris welcomed a newborn son. They joined Nate Grasz on this week’s Capitol Connection to discuss their journey and why they work to oppose legislation legalizing assisted suicide across the country through their organization Patients Rights Action Fund.

Capitol Connection

Episode 37: In the Midst of a Terminal Diagnosis, JJ Hanson Fights for More than His Life

[spp-player]

Assisted suicide is a difficult and emotional issue, but one that has far reaching consequences. First legalized in Oregon in 1997, physician assisted suicide is now legal in six states plus Washington D.C. and is currently pending in the Nebraska Legislature.

Related: 4 Harms of Legalizing Assisted Suicide

JJ Hanson, President of Patients Rights Action Fund, and his wife Kris, a speaker and patient advocate for PRAF, share their perspective on the harms of assisted suicide and why legislators should reject this legislation.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Nate Grasz

Nate Grasz

Policy Director
Nate is the Policy Director at Nebraska Family Alliance and host of the Capitol Report program.