On June 13, 2013, the Provincial Government of Quebec in Canada had introduced the bill on Right to die (active Euthanasia). The junior health minister of the Quebec Government stated when tabling the bill, “This bill is a response to the demands of Quebec society, a society that has conducted a thorough reflection on the end of life and which is committed to work for the welfare of everyone...Considering the interest and hope raised by the work of the special commission on dying with dignity and the unanimity of its recommendations, we have a responsibility as a government to deal with it.”
Kudos to the provincial government of Quebec for showing leadership on an issue, that is very core to the wellbeing of increasingly ageing populations around the globe, albeit sensitive and divisive in nature politically. I am personally all for legalizing physician-assisted suicide, for the simple reason that one should have the right to die with dignity, since is closely linked to one’s right to live with dignity, and nothing more.
The response to this issue ranges from total opposition on one end of the spectrum to a wholehearted support on the other. The ones opposing active euthanasia are essentially the “pro-lifers” on the abortion debate citing moral grounds, and those in support are invariably the “pro-choicers” (the abortion advocates). However, the vast majority of population (believers and otherwise) fall in the middle of the socio-political spectrum with real and valid concerns, which needs to be addressed when laws are being drawn up to prevent abuse of any form.
Valid concerns are raised about potential pressures from the family, should active euthanasia be made legal. In terms of safeguards to ensure that consents are free and valid, the individual seeking the physician’s assistance to end his/her life may be interviewed by a magistrate, justice of peace or appropriate judicial authority. The fact is family pressures are experienced by all and in all matters including marriage, career choices, etc.
However, like child abuse, elder abuse is also prevalent everywhere cutting across all classes. With an ageing population and shrinking pensions, elder abuse will increase big time. Bedridden elders are likely to perceive themselves, and also be perceived as burdens by those around them. In all situations whether it is the elderly themselves, and/or, their relatives that see their situation as burdensome, legalised euthanasia could be still be viewed as a boon for all to bring about a peaceful, planned and dignified closure to a hopeless situation.
