I firmly believe that the laws banning voluntary euthanasia in Australia (“assisted dying”) is absolutely cruel, dangerous and restricting. Fundamental to the functioning of Australian society is the principle concept of choice and respect; governing us as a nation. Terminally ill patients must have the right to choose to die on their own terms, or continue their diminishing quality of life in pain and suffering. We need to respect each individual and ultimately give them the choice to live or die, as it is their life, and is not something the law should have control over. I believe that the legality of this concept is derived from religious views and human ethics/morality from hundreds of years ago, and we need to abolish these prehistoric and outdated laws. Once again, I stress the notion, that as a society with changing views and expectations on certain topics; the law and legal system has to keep up with these changes and make amendments to fit our overall views as a nation.
Providing these terminally ill patients with the dignity and respect they deserve, and go out on their own terms, especially if they have no prospect of recovery; is vital to this concept. Why should the law have an impact on how they live the rest of their lives? They are the one going through the constant pain and suffering, along with their families as they watch their loved ones deteriorate and break down. I am not saying that all patients in palliative care or those with no recovery prospects, should end their life, I am merely suggesting that they have the choice to do so. That is all it is. A choice. Their decision to make. We need to treat them with the utmost respect, and allow them to salvage their dignity.
It is all about giving them the OPTION. nothing more. nothing less. They deserve this. No person should have to be forced to go through this prolonged suffering and extreme discomfort. It just feels like torture. I just don’t understand how we haven’t introduced voluntary euthanasia laws (over 30 attempts in the past 15 years have all been rejected, despite 70% of the public are in favour towards the legalisation)…. It is time to make a change. Some form of legalisation needs to be introduced!
Above is an important video showcasing these ideas represented in my blog entry.
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