With an existing dysfunctional healthcare system and a troubling sense of being a burden on society; this law increases the underlying and unhealthy social pressures on those with disabilities.
Terminal – one step away
Disability alone is not a qualifier for assisted suicide or euthanasia, but many of those who have a disability can very easily become terminal. It’s as simple as refusing to take medication, not treating bedsores or not receiving adequate care.
There’s already major pressure on our health sector’s capacity to support those with disabilities among us. Many cannot get wheelchairs they need to increase their mobility, or medication to treat their symptoms, one-in-five can’t even afford to see their GP. The introduction of a law that doesn’t protect against these things is a recipe for tragedy.
The pressure is real
Those with disabilities are being pressured to consider euthanasia.
In 2019 a United Nations special report discovered health professionals' misconduct towards people with disabilities. Some are even pressuring them into considering euthanasia in Canada.
“I am extremely concerned about the implementation of the legislation on Medical Assistance In Dying from a disability perspective [in Canada]. There is no protocol in place to demonstrate that persons with disabilities have been provided with viable alternatives when eligible for assistive dying. I have further received worrisome claims about persons with disabilities in institutions being pressured to seek medical assistance in dying, and practitioners not formally reporting cases involving persons with disabilities.”
Awful attitudes towards disability
It’s absolutely shocking to hear the attitudes that are frequently expressed in the euthanasia debate towards becoming dependent on others for help.
Dignity and independence get interchanged in commentary constantly – as if someone’s worth is tied up in their ability.
No regard is given to the fact that thousands of Kiwis live every day completely dependent on others to help them reach quality and enjoyment of life. It’s very easy to see how this attitude can impact those with disabilities and sustain a fear of reliance on others that would say ‘death is better than dependence’.
Disability Commissioner’s warning
Our Human Rights Disability Commissioner Paula Tesoreiro raised major concerns with the Act we have made legal.
“I would far rather see that if New Zealanders want this kind of scheme, then start again, co-create this piece of legislation with the right people around the table, rather than this process which is clumsy, awkward, deeply complex and I think continues to pose a number of risks for New Zealanders – particularly disabled Kiwis.”
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