Why we should value all human life equally

I want to congratulate the Irish Examiner on the excellent article by Margaret Hickey on February 12, “Let’s debate the meaning of humanity”.

She reminds us that in a civilised society, the most core value is the value we place on human life, simply because it is human, rather than because it is strong or healthy or able-bodied.

Deciding when life begins and ends, and acting upon it, sends ripples through our society and has implications for the way we view all human life. It creates a society which imparts a hierarchical value on life, and where some people see themselves as having lesser value or worth than others.