Euthanasia

Contrary to F O’Keefe-Jones’ claim (Waikato Times, January 15), we antieuthanasia advocates do not lack compassion. If the government is to pass any legislation, it has a duty to see what possible detrimental consequences will follow. We looked at overseas experiences and saw the harm that caused the rest of society when euthanasia was legalised.

Dependent elderly people may be coerced into euthanasia and are sensitive to being a burden. The disabled will feel that they are of no value.

Depressed people will receive conflicting messages about suicide prevention. Legalisation will institutionalise legally assisted suicide as a way of dealing with personal problems.

‘‘Safeguards’’ are only criteria. These are readily changed. Overseas jurisdictions don’t pursue any breaches of these ‘‘safeguards’’. Patients have been euthanised without their consent. To the government, it will be of financial benefit to the national healthcare funds if euthanasia is legalised.

Legalisation will create a ‘‘right’’ to euthanasia and demands for ‘‘equality’’ and alleged discrimination will be raised if extension to a new group is refused. This ‘‘mission creep’’ will never stop and reach all areas of society.

Palliative care has greatly improved and proved effective in recent years and funds must be directed into this area.

A nation that does not protect its weak and vulnerable is not civilised.

John Fong

Hamilton

Write to: Editor Waikato Times, Private Bag 3086, Hamilton 3240, or email editor@waikatotimes.co.nz. Letters may be edited or declined and should not exceed 200 words.

Full residential addresses and phone numbers are required and, if possible, daytime phone numbers.

No noms de plume, no poetry.