ACT leader David Seymour has confirmed he is drafting a member's bill
calling for a debate on euthanaisa and will urge the Government to adopt
the bill.
This comment from Kerre McIvor's column today echoes my sentiments most articulately:
"Those opposed to the right of the terminally ill to die say that learning to depend on others, letting people who love you care for you in your final hours, is an act of grace. It is certainly much easier to give than to receive — I would far rather be the nurturer than the nurturee.
But I don't need my husband and child to tend to my basic physical needs, long after my mind and spirit have gone, to know that I am loved.
And if it's supposed to be a lesson in humility, it's one that's come a little bit late if the lesson is delivered on your deathbed."
I'd hardly call insisting people live in severe pain and humiliation principled.
Neither is fooling yourself that the dependent must be supported by taxpayers, whether or not those dependants are "terminally ill". We're all terminally ill after all: the only questions are when, and who pays for our food, lodging, and medical care.
It sounds a bit tentative and as if it arises out of considerations of popularity rather than principle, but certainly a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteYes agreed. It certainly is the best way to reduce the burden of the old age pension.
ReplyDeleteI'd hardly call insisting people live in severe pain and humiliation principled.
ReplyDeleteI think David meant Seymour's decision looks like more concern with popularity, coming at this stage. Not sure I understand your comment.
ReplyDeleteThis comment from Kerre McIvor's column today echoes my sentiments most articulately:
ReplyDelete"Those opposed to the right of the terminally ill to die say that learning to depend on others, letting people who love you care for you in your final hours, is an act of grace. It is certainly much easier to give than to receive — I would far rather be the nurturer than the nurturee.
But I don't need my husband and child to tend to my basic physical needs, long after my mind and spirit have gone, to know that I am loved.
And if it's supposed to be a lesson in humility, it's one that's come a little bit late if the lesson is delivered on your deathbed."
I'd hardly call insisting people live in severe pain and humiliation principled.
ReplyDeleteNeither is fooling yourself that the dependent must be supported by taxpayers, whether or not those dependants are "terminally ill". We're all terminally ill after all: the only questions are when, and who pays for our food, lodging, and medical care.