Too many people who are dying endure an unnecessarily, prolonged death, which is inhumane and cruel. International evidence, expertise and experience is available for our legislators, there is no excuse for delay. Ireland could have compassionate legislation to be proud of.
Legislation for assisted dying always has : * Robust safeguards which provides choice and protects everyone
Legislation: * Eliminates the need to travel for an assisted death or to consider taking one's own life
* Allows those eligible to choose when, where and how they wish to die
* See the criminal law in Ireland that classifies assisted dying as murder reformed
We want to see more funding for palliative care but know it does not alleviate all pain and distress. and we want to see greater provision of support for disabled people
But
these are separate issues, all too often conflated to delay the introduction of legislation for assisted dying.
The lasting impact of seeing a loved one suffer intolerable pain and die 'badly' cannot be underestimated. Legislation for Assisted Dying with a robust framework of safeguards gives immeasurable peace of mind to a person and the quality of life remaining to a dying person improves
regardless of whether they go on to exert that choice. Over a third of those for an assisted death do not, in fact, go on to avail of it. But the relief of knowing this option was available to them, meant they could focus on living without the fear of a bad death.
End of Life Ireland is a volunteer led advocacy group. To learn more about this campaign and Assisted Dying, please visit our website
www.endoflifeireland.ie and see our social media posts.
