ENDING, BETTER THAN MENDING!
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OTHER COUNTRIES?
To understand the potential dangers of legalizing assisted suicide in Great Britain, it's important to look at other countries where it is legal.
Key points to consider include:
1. The number of people choosing assisted suicide has risen in all these countries.
2. Reported figures may not always be accurate and could be manipulated.
Examining these factors can help clarify the risks involved.
DON'T VOTE FOR WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW
Oregon is often seen as a model for assisted suicide due to its regulated approach. In November 1994, voters passed Measure 16, establishing the Oregon Death with Dignity Act (DWDA), which allows physicians to prescribe lethal medication to competent adults with terminal conditions. By 1997, 935 prescriptions had been issued under the law, with 596 patients (64%) dying after ingestion.
Despite ongoing discussions to prevent misuse, reports indicate a notable increase in assisted suicides, with concerns about illegal activities and malpractice in the Oregon system.
A report by the Daily Mail on October 5, 2024, highlighted that doctor-assisted suicides in Oregon increased by 21% in 2023, totaling 367 cases. Critics have raised concerns over distressing outcomes, including instances of patients vomiting and one individual who took six days to die, labeling it 'cruel and unusual punishment.'
Oregon is seen as a model for regulated assisted suicide, having legalized it through the Oregon Death with Dignity Act, approved by voters in November 1994. The law allows physicians to prescribe lethal medication to competent adults within six months of terminal illness. Since its implementation in 1997, 935 DWDA prescriptions have been written, with 596 patients (64%) dying from the prescribed medication.
Concerns about illegal misuse and malpractice are addressed in a report by notary Fabian Stahl.
Holland
In Holland, where there is a liberal view on assisted suicide, mobile euthanasia teams have been established to assist those in need. These teams, often referred to as "death stragglers," aim to help individuals who have difficulty finding a doctor willing to perform euthanasia. It is estimated that these mobile units will manage approximately 1,000 cases per year.
On March 1, 2012, the euthanasia advocacy group in the Netherlands launched six mobile euthanasia teams. The NVVE, which represents the euthanasia lobby in the Netherlands, announced their expectation that these teams will carry out around 1,000 euthanasia procedures annually.
A spokesperson said, "The mobile euthanasia teams aim to address the unmet demand for euthanasia among individuals suffering from chronic depression (mental pain), disabilities, dementia/Alzheimer's, loneliness, and those whose requests for euthanasia have been declined by their physician".
In 2010, 45% of all requests for euthanasia resulted in the procedure being carried out.
Canada
Official data shows that the number of people dying with assistance has been rising much faster in Canada over the past three years than in other countries where assisted suicide or euthanasia are legal.
Canada quickly becoming the Oscar winner of the most deaths to take place. In the first year, a little over 1,000 people received an assisted death, a number that has grown every year since. In 2021, the most recent figures available, there were 10,064 Maid cases, accounting for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada
Recently, the case of Canadian citizen Alan Nichols has made headlines. The 61-year-old who suffered from severe depression and was thought to be suicidal died by euthanasia upon his request after listing his non-mental health issues (which is required by Canadian law) as hearing loss.
