There are red flags. And then there are really big red flags.
Dr. Boudewijn Chabot is considered the patron saint of euthanasia in the Netherlands, which he still supports. But hes now sounding the alarm that the killing has gone too far.
This should be a glaring wakeup call for Americans who are complacent about physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia, or actually support it.
In 1991, Chabot, a geriatric psychiatrist, thumbed his nose at Dutch law and admittedly euthanized a physically healthy 52-year-old social worker. The High Court found him guilty without punishment. Until recently, he had celebrated the sea change ushered in by his deadly action.
He is now singing a different tune after research revealed how many individuals with dementia are being euthanized. The numbers are skyrocketing among this segment of society that has been the central focus of his professional career. Chabot also is alarmed with whos euthanizing them and the process being circumvented to carry it out.
In the past, advocates of euthanasia have touted three important safeguards governing Hollands euthanasia law: 1) a voluntary and deliberate request: 2) an individual with unbearable suffering without the prospect of improvements; and 3) no reasonable alternative to euthanasia is available.
According to Chabot, these so-called safeguards are quickly falling by the wayside. Silently, the very foundation of the law is being eroded, he said.
He offers evidence to prove his point.
Safeguard No. 1 requires that the person who wants to be euthanized provides a verbal, deliberate request. That has now been substituted with a written a letter of intent which can easily be forged or manipulated to represent the patients wishes. The law also doesnt require that the physician administering euthanasia have a therapeutic relationship with the patient, which makes it difficult at best to know if it is a genuine request. Regardless, Chabot doesnt believe a person in the advanced stages of dementia can authentically request euthanasia when they are unaware of what will actually be happening.
Chabot was further concerned to find out that sometimes when permission isnt given, its not needed. If necessary, physical force is used. He cited a doctor who started the euthanasia process by sneaking a sedative into the patients coffee. The patient resisted the lethal injection and family members held her down as he killed her. In the end, the physician still called her a cooperative participant.
Keep up with the latest pro-life news and information on Twitter.
Safeguard No. 2 was scrapped in 2012 when the Review Committee stopped questioning doctors who said their euthanasia patients experienced unbearable suffering without a prospect of improvement. Responding to objections, the committee replied, Who are we to question the doctors? Professionals say it is already difficult to effectively judge unbearable suffering with advanced dementia, and nearly impossible without a therapeutic relationship with the patient.
Safeguard No. 3 was summarily discarded when doctors began to allow patients to reject any available alternatives and still qualify for euthanasia.
Chabot points out that the use of nice-sounding euphemisms had been an effective tool to introduce euthanasia in the Netherlands. He compares the process to how the first abortion law was introduced by saying a woman had to be in an emergency situation to get one. It didnt take long before every woman got a requested abortion if she rejected any other solution. Self-determination around the end of life is for many people as important as in the context of abortion, Chabot observed.
Chabots red flags should be an obvious concern for Americans. He writes, One can easily predict that all of this could cause a skyrocketing increase in the number of euthanasia cases and attributes it to the financial dismantling of care.
We have experienced a similar dismantling in the US, particularly in the wake of Obamacare.
Within the jungle of healthcare, insurance companies are at the top of the food chain. In the midst of the jungle, patients struggle to get through the thick vegetation of obstacles planted by insurance providers, when its the patients who should be the priority in the healthcare process.
Individuals living in states that have passed physician assisted suicide laws are most vulnerable. Insurance companies have rejected patients needs for expensive life-saving treatment, while offering to cover the cost of toxic drugs to end their lives.
Learn how to protect yourself with free end-of-life resources.
In the Netherlands, End of Life Clinic Foundation is the Planned Parenthood of the euthanasia industry. They kill patients who have been turned down by their own doctors, many of them suffering from dementia. By 2016 they performed 75 percent of all euthanasia cases involving chronic psychiatric patients. The foundation views euthanasia as virtuous labor. This sounds eerily familiar to Planned Parenthoods Care. No matter what.
The evolution of euthanasia in the Netherlands has caused Chabot to ask, What happens to doctors for whom a deadly injection becomes a monthly routine?
In summary, Chabot asks another question, Where did the euthanasia law go off the tracks? He then provides a clear cut, three-part answer.
1) When the existence of a treatment relationship was no longer required.
2) When patients with dementia were no longer required to make a definitive verbal request.
3) And particularly when the Review Committee concealed the fact that incapacitated people were being surreptitiously killed.
The former full-throated euthanasia activist doesnt see how they can get the genie back into the bottle. But, he says, It would mean a lot if wed acknowledge hes out.
America beware. It didnt take the Netherlands long to advance to their extreme euthanasia policies.
We are already quick on their heels.
Nursing Times magazine reports one in four nurses admits to injecting terminal patients with drugs to speed their dying. Two-thirds want to legalize euthanasia.
The Oregon State Senate recently approved amending their advance directive to in some cases allow withholding food and water from patients with dementia and mental illness against their will. The insurance industry was a chief advocate.
Charles D. Blanke, MD, participates in Oregons physician assisted suicide program. Yet he is surprised by how few of his colleagues (5 percent), first refer patients to psychiatrists. Depression often disqualifies an individual from receiving the lethal drugs.
He is also concerned only 17 percent of these physicians are present during an assisted suicide. Blanke offers himself to all of his patients and 100 percent of them have said yes.
Evidence shows that like abortion, the patient isnt the top priority during the killing process. The question is, can America learn from our friends across the pond before its too late?
LifeNews.com Note: Bradley Mattes is the executive director of Life Issues Institute.
Continue reading here:
He Was Considered the Patron Saint of Euthanasia. Now He's Having Second Thoughts - LifeNews.com
- Euthanasia - The New York Times [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2017]
- Euthanasia | Students for Life [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2017]
- Mass euthanasia rumors prompt adoptions en masse at animal control shelter in Georgia - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor 'asked family to hold down struggling euthanasia victim ... - Catholic Herald Online [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Doctor who asked dementia patient's family to hold her down while she gave lethal injection cleared - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- County animal shelter aggressively working to cut euthanasia rate - ABC15 Arizona [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Once euthanasia is voluntary, it will become irresistible. Just ask the ... - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Evanger's dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in one batch - WHIO [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's goals: save money, collect organs - One News Now - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RECALL: Canned dog food has traces of animal euthanasia drug - KUTV 2News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- US dog food recall after euthanasia drug found - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food found to contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in can. One dog dead. - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food sold in Minnesota recalled over euthanasia drug - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Euthanasia 'Safeguards' Soon Seen as 'Hurdles' - National Review [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Religion in the courtroom: Neil Gorsuch's faith and writings draw close attention - The Denver Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Patients Rights Council [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support - Clarence Valley Daily Examiner [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog ... - KATU [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Medical Council against euthanasia: 'We don't want youths euthanising their grandparents' - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug ... - Q13 FOX [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Conservative leaders argued drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Did a Euthanasia Drug End Up in Dog Food? - Care2.com [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Why euthanasia slippery slopes are inevitable - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Dying man gathers his family together for final hours before ... - 9Honey [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's | National Review - National Review [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- BioEdge: Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for ... - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Euthanasia and Alzheimer's: Canada takes a step in the wrong direction - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Evanger's expands recall because dog food may contain euthanasia drug - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Last Wishes mobile pet euthanasia service adds storefront hospice for pets - Chron.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide stirs up Italy euthanasia debate - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- The euthanasia debate is polarised, yet shared concerns unite all sides - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Jagged Vision Streaming "Euthanasia" - Metal Underground [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Paralysed Italian DJ takes own life in Swiss clinic after fruitless euthanasia campaign in his native country - The Independent [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Mane Attraction hosts Beauty to the RESCUE to fight animal euthanasia - 12news.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Finnish parliament debates legalising euthanasia - Expatica Netherlands [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia Advocate Changes Her Mind After Watching the Euthanasia Deception Documentary - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- In places where it's legal, how many people are ending their lives ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide fuels Italy's euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Corgi pit bull with lopsided jaw saved from euthanasia - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia: What to Expect When Your Dog is Put Down [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]