Palliative care doctors are the group “most against” the legalisation of assisted dying in Ireland, a leading columnist has claimed.
It comes as the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying is set to recommend tomorrow that both euthanasia and assisted suicide be allowed in Ireland.
The legislation would apply to those diagnosed with terminal, progressive illnesses or conditions that are expected to cause death within six months, and 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions.
On The Hard Shoulder today, Irish Independent columnist David Quinn said he is against assisted dying “on principle”.
“I also find it very interesting that palliative care doctors, the people who deal with dying patients every day, are the ones most against allowing assisted suicide under any circumstances,” he said.
“They were extremely articulate when they appeared before the committee on this issue.
“Palliative care has become extremely good in dealing with many conditions and they are experts in helping people to die with dignity in the proper sense of the term.
“They also say they are extremely worried that [this legislation] would put pressure on vulnerable people to opt for it.”
Canada
Mr Quinn said assisted dying legislation was first introduced to Canada in 2016 when 1,000 people availed of it in its first year.
“Last year there were 13,000 Canadians availing of it – a huge increase in no time at all,” he said.
“The numbers keep escalating and the grounds for it keep widening.
“What they are now considering in Canada, and have agreed in principle, to bring it in for the mentally ill.
“It’s not a slippery slope, it’s a cliff face and several societies have already gone over the edge with it.”
Choice
Kildare GP and Trinity Professor Dr Brendan O’Shea said he believed in people having a choice.
“Around 35,000 people die in Ireland every year and, in a small proportion of those deaths, things become very difficult,” he said.
“Not all symptoms can be effectively or reliably treated or alleviated with palliative care and that is the position of those who are advocating for this choice.
“There is also a personal angle, having done 30 years of practice, if I found myself in a number of particular situations, I would personally want a choice for myself.”
Carefully introduced
Dr O’Shea said it was paramount that the legislation be introduced carefully.
“I’m a doctor and I see disaster and unexpected circumstances around every corner,” he said.
“If this is not done correctly, risks are currently there and they need to be considered.
“If we go about, it in a careful and well-regulated manner with good oversight, I think the net benefits will be very significant and we can address the risks and hazards.”
The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying was chaired by Independent TD Michael Healy Rae and had cross-party membership.
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Main image: Close-up of a patient's hand. 7 November 2016. Image: Alamy.com
