Urge the Massachusetts Legislator to ban the use of Aversive Therapies
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
For years, the disability community has worked to end torture at the Judge Rotenberg Center. While we work towards an FDA ban on the use of electric shocks, there is critical state-level legislation that would affect the Judge Rotenberg Center. Massachusetts legislators have introduced a bill that would ban aversives. “Aversives” means using pain to punish people for doing certain things. This would be an important step towards closing the JRC, as their use of electric shock devices for behavior modification on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities would be banned.
Similar bills have been introduced almost every year, but unfortunately, the State legislature hasn’t passed any of them. This time, let’s make sure to let the legislators know we expect this bill to be a priority!
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To:
Massachusetts Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Members of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities,
I am writing to express my strong support for Bill H.180, "An Act Regarding the Use of Aversive Therapy," and to urge the committee to support this important legislation. As an individual who deeply cares about the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly children, I believe that passing H.180 is crucial for ensuring their safety and dignity in congregate care settings.
H.180 aims to prohibit physical abuse and aversive conditioning practices, such as electric shocks, in congregate care facilities. These practices have no scientific basis and violate the fundamental human rights of individuals with disabilities. By supporting this bill, you have the power to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm and create a more compassionate and inclusive society.
I am particularly concerned about the use of electric skin shock devices at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) in Canton, Massachusetts. This facility is the only one in the United States that continues to utilize these devices, despite the FDA's recognition of their significant risks. Shock therapy administered at the JRC inflicts pain and leaves lasting physical and psychological scars on its residents, undermining their well-being and human dignity. Supporting H.180 would send a strong message that such practices have no place in our state and must be stopped.
I believe that every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be treated with respect, care, and dignity. By supporting and endorsing H.180, you can take a crucial step toward protecting the rights and welfare of individuals in congregate care facilities. I kindly request that you carefully consider the importance of this bill and support its passage.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for your commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals in our state. I trust that you will make the right decision by supporting H.180 and advocating for its successful passage.