Clare Healthcare Campaigner Claims Church's Stance On Assisted Dying Akin To Watching People Suffer

Clare FM

A Clare healthcare campaigner claims adopting the stance of the Catholic Church on assisted dying would see the State "watch people suffer". It follows the publication of a pastoral letter which has criticised the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying - suggesting the proposed legislation would "undermine the confidence of the terminally ill". First assembled in 2023, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying published its final report in March of this year. The report recommends that the Government introduces legislation allowing for assisted dying in restricted circumstances. As per the report, assisted dying should be an option for terminally ill people with less than six months to live, or 12 months if they are suffering from a neurodegenerative conditions. It's also stated that when a person's capacity to make a decision is in question, a functional test would be introduced as part of the assessment for eligibility. In a pastoral letter issued this week, Irish Catholic Bishops have condemned the recommendations, claiming the deliberate taking of human life under any circumstances undermine a fundamental principle of civilised society. The letter raises concerns that the proposed legislation would "undermine the confidence of the terminally ill" and leave those with intellectual disabilities in a vulnerable situation. Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin, who wrote the letter, fears if assisted dying is legislated for even in restricted circumstances, the criteria would be broadened in years to come. The letter also strongly advocates for palliative care as an alternative to assisted saying, stating that "in the final weeks of terminal illness, many people can be helped to experience human and spiritual growth". Lahinch healthcare campaigner John Wall believes the stance of the Bishops would leave people who are suffering with no recourse should they wish to end their pain on their own terms.