KEY QUESTIONS

As we consider the implications of legalising assisted suicide, it’s crucial to thoroughly examine the potential consequences and challenges associated with such legislation. Here are some essential questions that warrant careful consideration:

1. Could this legislation disproportionately affect disabled individuals due to existing societal biases?

Given the historical and structural discrimination faced by disabled people, there is a concern that assisted suicide laws might exacerbate these injustices, potentially leading to decisions influenced by societal prejudices rather than genuine autonomy.

2. Who would be responsible for administering assisted suicide, and how would their roles be regulated?

Identifying the professionals tasked with carrying out assisted suicide, understanding their training, and establishing oversight mechanisms are vital to ensure ethical practices and prevent potential abuses.

3. What if medical prognoses are inaccurate?

Terminal diagnoses, especially those estimating a six-month life expectancy, can be uncertain. There is a risk that individuals might choose assisted suicide based on prognoses that could later prove to be incorrect.

4. Are the proposed safeguards sufficient to protect vulnerable populations?

Evaluating the robustness of safeguards is essential to ensuring they can effectively prevent coercion, undue influence, or misapplication of the law, thereby protecting vulnerable people.

5. Could the scope of the law expand over time to include non-terminal conditions or subjective criteria like ‘unbearable suffering’?

Experiences from other countries suggest that initial restrictions in assisted suicide laws can broaden over time, potentially encompassing individuals with non-terminal conditions or those experiencing subjective ‘unbearable suffering’. This raises concerns about a possible ‘slippery slope’ effect.

6. How might legalising assisted suicide impact the quality and availability of palliative care services?

There is a concern that the legalisation of assisted suicide could lead to a deprioritisation of palliative care services, potentially reducing the quality and accessibility of comprehensive end-of-life care.

7. What measures are in place to detect and prevent subtle forms of coercion?

Subtle coercion, whether from family members, caregivers, or societal pressures, can influence individuals’ decisions regarding assisted suicide. Ensuring the decision is truly autonomous requires robust measures to detect and prevent such coercion.

8. How will the law address potential conflicts of interest among healthcare providers?

It’s important to consider how the law will manage situations where healthcare providers’ personal beliefs or financial incentives might conflict with patients’ interests, ensuring that patient welfare remains the primary focus.

9. What are the potential psychological impacts on families and healthcare providers involved in assisted suicide?

Understanding the emotional and psychological effects on those involved in assisted suicide, including family members and healthcare providers, is crucial for providing appropriate support and addressing ethical considerations.

10. How will the law ensure equitable access and prevent socioeconomic disparities in assisted suicide practices?

Ensuring that assisted suicide laws do not disproportionately affect certain socioeconomic groups requires careful consideration to prevent inequalities in access or decision-making pressures based on financial or social factors.