Disability Groups Question Ethics of WI Teen’s Decision to Die

Jerika Bolen made the decision to end her life, as her chronic pain increased

Disability rights advocates say the death of a Wisconsin teenager who was allowed to end treatment of her incurable disease was an injustice.

The Post-Crescent reports that 14-year-old Jerika Bolen died last week after drawing national attention for her decision to end a lifelong fight against progressive disease that left her mostly immobile and with severe, chronic pain.

Not Dead Yet, a New York based anti-euthanasia organization, issued a statement after Jerika’s death, criticizing the news coverage as “one-sided applause for her suicide.” The group said it’s concerned the press would inspire others with disabilities and their parents to make a similar choice.

Jerika’s mother, Jen Bolen, said Thursday that no one in their right mind would let someone suffer the way Jerika was.