The joint committee of Oireachtas on Assisted Dying has proposed legislation that permits assisted dying in limited circumstances, specifically for those expected to live for another six months or, in the case of those dealing with a neurodegenerative disease, another 12 months. The proposal also suggests the establishment of a criminal offence for anyone found guilty of coercing someone into assisted dying, as well as training for medical professionals to identify coercion.
In response to these proposals, the Catholic bishops of Ireland have renewed their plea to TDs to refuse these suggestions which are scheduled to be voted on in the Dáil on the forthcoming Wednesday. They asserted that that the intentional ending of human life, especially by caregivers, violates a fundamental precept of civilised society, which states that it is illegal for anyone to intentionally end another’s life. Moreover, they voiced their fears that this proposal would soon be expanded to include the most vulnerable members of society, such as individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Instead, they urged TDs to divert more state funds towards palliative care. They also reacted to an announcement made last week by Party leader and Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, that Fianna Fáil TDs will have a free vote on this report but each vote will reflect the personal conscience of the party member. Martin admitted to having serious misgivings about the legislation personally.
In contrast, Gino Kenny, a TD from People Before Profit, called for all government parties to permit a free vote on the matter. He cited recent polls showing that a significant majority would support assisted dying in Ireland.
Last week, Eamon Martin, the Archbishop and Catholic Primate, condemned the proposed law, calling it a blatant insult to a safe, secure society and voiced his strong opposition against it. He revealed that medical and healthcare specialists are deeply distressed about the political ideology that’s developing, which they believe interferes with their principle to ‘do no harm.’ Moreover, they fear it could potentially infringe on the legal right to life at every stage.
The Archbishop observed that a general election in Ireland is looming. He urged voters to reach out to their Parliamentary representatives and Senators to verify if they are dedicated to preserving end of life care. He also called on them to advocate for the inclusion of more investment in palliative and hospice care in election manifestos.