Fake News
Public support opposing the assisted suicide bill is low which we believe is due to a lot of misinformation and disinformation being circulated. It is important that everyone has access to accurate facts which is why we want to work with you to myth bust some of the statements you may have heard about the reality of how any euthanasia bill such as the one currently be proposed would impact people.
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Here are some statements commonly put forward in favour of assisted suicide and the reality of the statement.
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Myth 1: Legalising assisted suicide provides more choice and control.
This perspective assumes that all individuals, regardless of disability, have equal footing in making such profound decisions. However, disabled people often face systemic biases and societal pressures that can unduly influence their choices, and in our inequitable society such as ours your death being your only worry or stress represents quite a privileged, not a progressive ideal. Assuming pain is the sole factor driving the desire for assisted suicide overlooks the complex socio-economic and psychological challenges that disabled individuals encounter.
Myth 2: The legislation will remain limited to terminally ill patients with six months to live.
While initial proposals may set strict criteria, international experiences reveal a tendency for incremental expansions. For instance, in the Netherlands, euthanasia laws have broadened over time to include individuals experiencing unbearable suffering without a terminal diagnosis - and as has happened in Australia, proponents of assisted suicide already wish for the eligibility to change for people with neurodegenerative condition meaning that they'd "quality" with 12 months to live under the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as proposed. Therefore, elieving that the scope won’t widen is, unfortunately, naive and ignores historical precedents.
Myth 3: Adequate safeguards are in place to protect the vulnerable.
The removal of judicial oversight, replacing it with expert panels, raises significant concerns. Disabled individuals often confront systemic oppression and biases. Entrusting their fate to panels that may not fully understand or appreciate their lived experiences increases the risk of decisions that don’t genuinely reflect the individual’s autonomous will. Moreover, subtle forms of coercion may go undetected, further endangering vulnerable populations.
Myth 4: Assisted suicide laws do not impact palliative care.
Contrary to this belief, evidence suggests that the legalisation of assisted suicide can negatively affect palliative care efforts. Leading psychiatrists have expressed that such legislation could harm suicide prevention, particularly among the elderly, by potentially pressuring vulnerable individuals to opt for assisted death rather than seeking necessary psychological support.
Myth 5: Coercion is not a significant concern with assisted suicide laws.
The potential for coercion, whether overt or subtle, is a major concern. Individuals may feel pressured by family, caregivers, or societal expectations to choose assisted suicide, especially if they perceive themselves as a burden. Detecting such coercion is challenging, and existing safeguards may not be sufficient to prevent it.
