HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Shawn Shatto took her own life in May 2019 after a long battle with depression. She received step-by-step instructions on how to do it online.
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Jackie Bieber, Shawn’s mother, has been pushing for the law that will increase penalties for anyone who assists in a suicide of someone under the age of 18 or with intellectual disabilities. Bieber has had to wait a long time.
The proposed bill received approval in the State House and Senate but stalled after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The process started all over again but was slowed by amendments and other procedural issues.
On Tuesday, Sept. 21, by a vote of 152 to 49, the House passed a bill that will now go to Governor Wolf’s desk.
“We hope this will help save lives,” Bieber said. “We hope that something good will come from Shawn’s death.”
A spokesperson with the governor’s office says he will review the bill before he makes a decision.