The threat of legalized assisted suicide is looming over the Republic of Ireland as a ‘Dying with Dignity’ Bill is to be re-introduced for consideration by the Irish Government. Antonia Tully of SPUC’s Lives Worth Living campaign said: “Assisted suicide is a form of false compassion. We must resist all attempts to normalise this dangerous practice and instead promote a society where each human life is valued and respected.”
The Dying with Dignity Bill was first introduced in 2015 by the former Minister of State, TD John Halligan. Mr Halligan recently revealed how he has directed people to Switzerland to end their lives.
Antonia Tully said: “If this Bill is successful, people in the Republic of Ireland will be able to self-administer lethal drugs and anyone helping would have legal protection. This is such a negative and soul-destroying way to treat a sick or dying person.”
TD Gino Kenny is reportedly now planning to re-introduce the Bill which is also being backed by prominent assisted suicide campaigner Vicky Phelan who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Earlier this week Ms Phelan gave an emotive interview on television. “Of course our hearts go out to Vicky Phelan when we hear of the suffering she and her family have endured,” said Antonia Tully, “But surely palliative care is the way forward, not suicide.”
“Killing vulnerable people is not true compassion”
Responding to the fresh attempts to legalise assisted suicide in Ireland, Lives Worth Living Antonia Tully said: “We are hearing more stories of people clamouring for assisted suicide as a solution to pain and suffering. We need stories to show that life is worth living even in the midst of debilitating sickness or disability.
“Whilst these cases must be met with sympathy, it is important to remember that the deliberate killing of vulnerable people is not true compassion”
In July this year, SPUC reported on how Nikki Kenwood, a disabled woman from Shropshire spoke out against assisted suicide.
Ms Kenwood challenged politicians in support of assisted suicide to “watch her living” and said: “My fear is that once you see death as a solution to disability and illness, everything else can easily disappear.
“The reason I feel so strongly on this issue is because of my own experience. Nearly three decades ago, I found myself suddenly locked into agonising immobility, with my whole body paralysed except for my right eyelid.
"What this nightmare taught me was not only to cherish the preciousness of life, even when trapped in an immovable state, but also to see the dangers of allowing the medical profession to wield untrammelled authority.”
You can find more information about SPUC’s campaign against assisted suicide here.