The Death Law

In the early decades of the twenty-first century, Congress unexpectedly passes a law stating that citizens over the age of seventy who can no longer care of themselves are subject to euthanasia by the government. When it is signed by the president, the so-called death law—hidden as a rider on legislation related to defense spending and designed to end a government shutdown—the public is appalled.

Julia Sanchez, a veteran congressional staffer in her late fifties, is determined to fight the new law; her parents, Henry and Beatriz, are in their seventies and are in its crosshairs. Along the way, she joins forces with journalist Jake Jordan, who is vigorous and active in his career despite being in his midsixties. As the two work to counteract the law, they find themselves drawn more and more to each other, and Jake gradually becomes involved with Julia’s parents and their caregiver, Hattie. Can their combined efforts overcome the cruelty of the death law?

In this novel, a congressional aide and an investigative journalist struggle against the terrible threat of a law ordering the death of senior citizens no longer able to care for themselves.

“While readers will be charmed by the beautiful story of love and devotion, both familial and romantic, they will also be challenged by the horrifying idea of a society willing to throw out its elderly.”

—Ann Bernardi, Licensed Clinical Social Worker