Disability and Patient Advocacy Groups File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Colorado’s Assisted Suicide Law
Denver, CO – June 30, 2025 – A coalition of disability and patient advocacy groups has announced the filing of a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Colorado’s assisted suicide law. The lawsuit, filed today, asserts that the existing legislation, known as the Natural Death Act, violates federal civil rights laws and discriminates against individuals with disabilities.
The plaintiffs in the case include a number of prominent organizations dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, as well as individuals who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing situations related to end-of-life decisions. Their core argument centers on the claim that the law, as implemented and interpreted, creates a disproportionate burden on individuals with disabilities, potentially pressuring them to choose assisted suicide due to inadequate access to quality care, support services, and resources.
According to the filed complaint, the advocacy groups contend that the Colorado law, while intended to provide compassionate end-of-life options, fails to adequately safeguard vulnerable populations. They highlight concerns that the law may inadvertently incentivize or facilitate the premature death of individuals with disabilities who are facing societal challenges such as limited access to healthcare, long-term care, mental health support, and economic stability.
The lawsuit specifically alleges that the current framework of Colorado’s assisted suicide law does not sufficiently address potential coercion or undue influence that individuals with disabilities might face. It points to a perceived lack of robust protections and independent oversight mechanisms that would ensure these individuals are making fully informed and autonomous decisions, free from external pressures.
A spokesperson for one of the filing organizations stated, “Our primary concern is ensuring that every individual, particularly those with disabilities, has access to comprehensive support, palliative care, and resources that enable them to live fulfilling lives. We believe the current assisted suicide law, in its present form, does not adequately protect against the possibility that individuals might choose this path not out of genuine personal autonomy, but due to systemic failures in providing necessary care and support.”
The plaintiffs are seeking a judicial declaration that Colorado’s assisted suicide law is unconstitutional under federal law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. They are requesting injunctive relief to prevent the further enforcement of the law in a manner that they argue is discriminatory.
The legal challenge is expected to initiate a significant debate regarding the ethical, legal, and societal implications of assisted suicide laws, particularly as they intersect with disability rights. The outcome of this federal lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for similar legislation across the United States.
The groups emphasize that their action is not intended to prevent individuals from making deeply personal end-of-life decisions but rather to ensure that all such decisions are made in an environment of complete autonomy, informed consent, and with the full spectrum of available life-affirming care and support services.
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