The Second Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying released by the Canadian government is alarming.
4,120 Canadians euthanised because they had cancer but with no discussion with an oncologist about this course of action;
2,650 people who perceived they were a burden on their family, friends or caregivers;
1,373 people who requested that their lives be ended because they felt isolated and lonely;
1,253 with non-terminal conditions
227 people who were put to death because they were frail;
322 people who needed disability support services but did not receive them;
126 people who needed, but could not access, palliative care were given access to the lethal jab;
59 people who the practitioner assessed as requesting a lethal injection "voluntarily" determined the alleged voluntariness without directly consulting with the person.
This mirrors the situation in Holland where euthanasia was legalised over 20 year ago! Figures released by the Dutch government in 2015 showed 431 people were euthanised without their consent. Source: Statistics Netherlands, Den Haag/Heerlen Deaths my medical end-of-life decision; age, cause of death, 24 May 2017. However many so-called ‘safeguards’ are added to any euthanasia bill the international evidence is compelling - euthanasia can never be made safe.
The argument that euthanasia is ‘just for the terminally ill in pain’ is a furphy. As shown in Canada euthanasia is used as a panacea for a myriad of medical and societal issues such as isolation, loneliness, feeling like a burden or simply just being frail. Who will be next?
Stop euthanasia now. Remember - the life you save may be your own.
Mary Collier
The Right to Life Australia Inc.
(03) 9385 0100