In today’s busy world, with all the constant notifications and deadlines, it’s easy to forget what’s really important—the value of life itself. Yet, in recent years, a contentious debate has emerged, one that strikes at the very core of humanity’s understanding of existence: medically assisted dying or suicide.
Medically assisted dying, also known as physician-assisted suicide, is the practice where a medical professional provides terminally ill patients with the means to end their own lives painlessly.
Recently, the Labour Party in the UK proposed it would change the law regarding medically assisted dying in the country, potentially adding it to countries like Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Germany where the procedure is legal.
During a telephone conversation with television presenter and vocal supporter of assisted dying reform, Dame Esther Rantzen, Sir Keir leader of the Labour party expressed his stance, affirming, “I am personally in favor of changing the law” regarding assisted dying.
Proponents argue that it offers a compassionate option for those suffering from debilitating pain or terminal illnesses, providing them with a semblance of control over their fate and sparing them from prolonged agony.
Advocates of medically assisted dying often cite autonomy and dignity as fundamental human rights, arguing that individuals should have the right to choose the manner and timing of their death when faced with unbearable suffering.
They emphasize the importance of respecting the autonomy of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, free from interference or judgment.
Moreover, proponents highlight the inadequacies of palliative care in alleviating certain types of suffering, particularly in cases of extreme physical pain or existential anguish.
They argue that for some individuals, traditional medical interventions offer little solace or relief, leaving them with no viable option but to endure prolonged suffering or seek the means to end their lives peacefully.
Yet, amidst the fervent advocacy for medically assisted dying, it’s imperative to pause and reflect on the deeper implications of such practices.
In an interview with a registered nurse in Canada who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “An elective abortion was something that, I subscribed to. When you become pregnant and then the ultrasound and other tests show that your child has some sort of deformity or congenital abnormality, and then like they advise you to abort and all that, like you know, like from the medical point of view, that is it. I agreed with it. But then when I started taking this course, I realized that like everyone deserves a chance to live.”
Consider the case of individuals facing chronic pain or disabilities, who may perceive their existence as burdensome or devoid of meaning. In a society that often overlooks the needs and capabilities of the disabled, it’s all too easy for such individuals to feel marginalized or neglected, their voices drowned out by the clamor of able-bodied norms.
Yet, what if instead of offering an expedient escape through medically assisted dying, society chooses to embrace and support these individuals, offering them the resources and accommodations they need to live fulfilling lives?
What Society Can Do Differently
Imagine a world where accessibility is not an afterthought but a fundamental principle, where individuals with terminal illnesses or disabilities are empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities and pursue their aspirations without barriers.
The nurse said, “Just look at Ghana, right? Look at the number of disabled people on the street begging, imagine if the society has made it conducive for them to live, I don’t think people will resort to taking their lives.”
Moreover, the normalization of medically assisted dying risks perpetuating a culture of despair and hopelessness, where the value of life is measured solely in terms of productivity or physical well-being. By equating death with dignity, society risks devaluing the inherent worth of every human being, regardless of their circumstances or abilities.
She said, “So I met a wealthy man at my workplace who like opted for medically assisted dying and then he was like he was just tired of life and blah blah blah, you know… He had dementia and was taken to the nursing home. Totally neglected by his family.”
Consider the tragic case of this wealthy man who, despite his resources and social status, succumbed to despair and opted for medically assisted dying.
Could his life have taken a different trajectory if he had been provided with the support and companionship he needed to navigate the challenges of aging and illness? Instead of relegating him to the confines of a nursing home, imagine if he had been embraced by his family and community that recognized his worth beyond his material wealth.
Similarly, the nurse recounted the harrowing story of the father who chose to end his daughter’s life out of a misguided sense of compassion underscoring the dangers of equating death with relief from suffering. Instead of offering her the care and support she needed to cope with her medical condition, he tragically chose to end her life prematurely, robbing her of the opportunity to experience love, joy, and growth.
As such, the debate over medically assisted dying forces everyone to confront profound questions about the value of life and the responsibilities people bear towards one another as members of a shared humanity.
While the allure of a painless exit may seem enticing in moments of despair, let humanity not lose sight of the inherent dignity and worth of every human life. Instead of seeking solace in death, let people strive to cultivate a culture of compassion and support, where every individual is valued, cherished, and allowed to live their lives to the fullest, regardless of the challenges they may face.
READ ALSO: Starmer Pledges Support For Assisted Dying Vote In Parliament
