The UK Parliament’s recent approval of assisted dying has apparently been mirrored to a certain extent in Ireland where a final report by the Oireachtas [National Parliament] Joint Committee on Assisted Dying really useful “that the federal government introduces laws allowing for assisted dying, in certain restricted circumstances.”
Members of the Dáil, the lower house of the Irish Parliament, noted the report favorably in October with 76 TDs (Irish MPs) voting in favor and 53 TDs against the report’s 38 recommendations for palliative care, on the idea of assisted dying.
Although any change in law will must be approved by the Oireachtas and signed by the Irish president, the Evangelical Alliance Ireland (EAI) is worried that a push for assisted dying will gain renewed traction after the Irish General Election was held on Nov. 29 and political life settles again.
A bill to introduce assisted dying in Ireland lapsed within the previous Dáil on Nov. 8, just before the final election took place.
EAI published an announcement this month expressing concern about whether assisted dying will likely be legalized, saying that a civilized society must prioritize the “preservation of life and strive to enhance quality of life,” further valuing human life as “something that’s intrinsically precious.”
“We consider that when a society diminishes the worth of life, or infers that some lives should not value living, then that’s detrimental to the greater good,” stated the EAI.
In further comments sent to Christian Daily International, Nick Park, executive director of the EAI, suspected a knock-on political effect of the U.K. Parliament vote unbalancing the stance for or against assisted dying in other countries, corresponding to Ireland.
“Following the U.K. Parliament’s vote to legislate for assisted suicide, Evangelical Alliance is worried that the same battle could now lie ahead within the Irish Parliament,” Park said. “There is a bent for one country to follow the lead of one other country.”
However, Park also noted that, “on the positive side,” the recent Irish General Election resulted in additional pro-life politicians being elected. At the identical time, the “major proponent” for assisted suicide didn’t be re-elected and lost his seat.
“It is questionable whether the parties that can form the subsequent coalition government really need to maneuver on this contentious issue,” Park added. “Many skilled medical and welfare bodies, particularly those that look after the disabled and terminally ailing, agree with religious leaders that assisted suicide shouldn’t be the reply.”
Ireland as a rustic is already suffering with a “major problem with suicide,” Park added, highlighting the problem especially amongst young people.
Data for the newest annual record in 2021 from An PhrÃomh-Oifig Staidrimh (Central Statistics Office) in Ireland reveal 512 suicides recorded in that reporting period.
“We consider it will be counter-productive to legislate in a way that implies some lives should not value living,” Park added. “Life is a precious gift from God, and needs to be treated as such under law.”
Furthermore, the EAI statement recalled the actual experience of Evangelical pastors and ministers who, as with other faith leaders, pastorally work with suffering people, consoling the dying and comforting the bereaved.
“We are also there to select up the pieces when families are left devastated by the suicide of a loved one,” added the EAI statement. “So although we should not attempting to force our religious faith on others, our views are relevant on account of our close involvement with those that will likely be most affected by any changes on this area.”
The EAI acknowledged the profound lack of hope and dignity for a terminally unwell patient, adding that such trauma affected families and family members.
“However, we’re deeply concerned that Ireland’s suicide problem will only be compounded by legitimizing suicide in certain circumstances. We recognize that such laws would initially be limited to strict conditions, however it can be silly to pretend that it will not be followed shortly by demands to expand the circumstances under which assisted dying could also be carried out.”
The EAI noted similar concerns about assisted dying expressed by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, the Association for Palliative Medicine and the Irish Society of Physicians in Geriatric Medicine. Other objections have been raised by leaders of the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church, and the Islamic faith.
“EAI joins them in asking that the Oireachtas would hearken to those of us who work most closely with those in our society who’re affected by suicide and terminal illness, and seek the advice of more widely with all these expert bodies before proceeding with laws,” added the EAI statement.
