Zipprich took issue with the fact that Angelini was one of only two State Assembly members to vote against the act that was signed with much fanfare last week by Gov. Chris Christie and states, "...when someone calls herself “pro-life,” she should vote in favor of saving lives, and no one should have to choose between saving someone’s life or ruining their own".
Here's the full letter:
The Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act eliminates criminal liability for persons who seek medical assistance for anyone in a drug overdose situation.
Gov. Christie set an example of good public policy taking precedence over political calculations when he signed this bill. Both parties reworked it to ensure that it saves lives.
Passage has given comfort to families who have lost a loved one to overdose, and it gives people involved in a difficult situation a second chance at life. It also spares a family the pain of having to bury loved ones who overdosed by encouraging people to call 911 before it’s too late.
Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, R-Monmouth, was one of only two Assembly members to vote against it. Her first vote against this bill put her in alignment with Christie’s original position.
I applaud the governor’s change of heart. I ask Angelini to explain why she voted against something that saves people who are overdosing or protects those witnessing overdosing from arrest and prosecution if they call for help.
This new law saves lives, and parents are being spared the horror of a call from the emergency room with the ultimate bad news. As a constituent and candidate for this Assembly seat, I want to know why Angelini voted against the Good Samaritan Act.
When there is a chance to save a life, I believe that’s the right path. Mistakes happen. Emergencies happen. Life happens.
I believe when someone calls herself “pro-life,” she should vote in favor of saving lives, and no one should have to choose between saving someone’s life or ruining their own.
Edward Zipprich
1 comment:
Thanks for this! I agree life happens, mistakes happen. I am someone who has made the mistake of taking the wrong path. I am on the right road and have been very successful in recovery. Christie is right. You, Edward are right. This happens a lot and shouldn't. This will save lives. Maybe even the ones that are going to make the call to save a life. Maybe just maybe it will be their wake up call too. To many out there still sick and suffering because the help isnt readily available or affordable. To many hoops to jump through to many dead ends. Some people dont have the will power to keep searching. Im lucky i did. Now my goal is to advocate for those who try and get turned away for one reason or the other. This is an epidemic. It needs more attention. Not the harsh judgement. Im sure most people have been in a situation where they made a mistake and life happened to them.
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