This Dáil bill could aid assisted suicide

I refer to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013, the committee stage of which will be commenced in the Seanad at 5pm today.

The following sections need reconsideration –– sections 4. (3) (a), (b), 68. 4 (b), section 72. (3) (a), (b); and the former section 118 should be re-instated.

The Bill is seriously flawed in that it fails to protect from undue pressure persons planning their healthcare into the future. I refer especially to section 4. 3 (a), and (b) on organ donation, and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, respectively.

In regard to such withdrawal, the Bill may be in breach of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, section 25 f, which is aimed at preventing ‘discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of disability’.

Permission for such withdrawal could facilitate assisted suicide and/or euthanasia. The Bill’s definition of ‘basic care’ is obsolete [section 68. (4) (b)].

Section 72. (3) (a), (b) could blur further the distinction between necessary medical treatment and abortion. The specific prohibition of clinical trials on persons lacking capacity [the former section 118] has been deleted. It should be reinstated.

Séamas de Barra

Alliance for the Defence of the Family and Marriage [ADFAM]

Upper Rathmines Road

Rathmines

Dublin 6