A small group of Donegal-based doctors has expressed their gratitude to two local TDs who recently voted against accepting a report on Assisted Dying.
Last month, The Dáil voted to note the final report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying, which calls on the government to legalise assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances. The vote was 76 in favour with 53 against.
Two of those who voted against the report were Donegal Minister, Charlie McConalogue, and outgoing TD, Joe McHugh.
This vote will not change the law in Ireland, as substantial legislation would be required to be passed by the Oireachtas and then signed by the President.
Read the letter in full below:
“Dear Editor,
Leading up to tomorrow’s election, it is very encouraging and important to consider that 53 of our TD’s voted against accepting The Report of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying (including Charlie McConalogue and Joe Mc Hugh).
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (E/AS) may favour ableism over people who are vulnerable or have special needs. It implies some lives are not worth living and devalues the dignity of human life. A right to die becomes a duty to die when people fear they have become a burden to society.
Daniel Karsai, a Hungarian human rights lawyer, argued that criminalisation of E/AS violated his rights. Subsequently, in June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that there is no right to E/AS in Europe by a majority 6 to 1.
In 2023, the Danish Ethics Committee recommended a complete ban of E/AS without exception. They argued that it was the only way to protect and respect those most vulnerable in society.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr. Murrough Birmingham (GP)
Dr. Sarah Brennan (GP)
Dr. Micheal Cooke (GP)
Mr. Eamonn Henry (LUH Pharmacist)
Dr. Bev Huss (GP)
Dr. Marie Therese McKenna (GP)
Dr. Ken Mulpeter (LUH Consultant)
Dr. Killian O Donnell (GP)
Dr. Yvonne Reese (GP).”
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