Euthanasia for a completed life – Patheos (blog)

First euthanasia was supposed to be for people who were terminally ill. Then for those who weresuffering. First physically, but then mentally. But euthanasia wouldonly be for people who requested it. Then for those unable to request it. Including for children.

A new proposal in the Netherlands, the mecca of physician homicide, would allow euthanasia for any healthyperson over 75 on the grounds of having had a completed life.

But thats just the beginning. Euthanasia activists admit that this is only the first step. (Actually, there have been lots of prior steps.) The real goal is euthanasia for any adult who wants it. From Emma Elliott Freire,Netherlands Considers Euthanasia For Healthy People, The Federalist:

Politicians in the Netherlands are discussing the possibility of legalizing euthanasia for healthy people. The proposed Completed Life Bill would allow any person age 75 or over who decides their life is complete to receive euthanasia. It doesnt matter if they are otherwise perfectly healthy.

Under current Dutch law, a person only becomes eligible for euthanasia when they have a terminal illness and are suffering unbearably. Pia Dijkstra, an MP for Dutch political party D66, is preparing to introduce the Completed Life Bill. D66 spearheaded most of the groundbreaking socially progressive legislation for which the Netherlands is famous. They are historically a smaller partytheyve never had a Prime Ministerbut theyve proven themselves to be politically effective.

D66 would eventually like to legalize euthanasia for any adult who wishes to die. They openly admit that the Completed Life Bill is a step towards realizing that goal. In March, D66 leader Alexander Pechtold wasconfrontedon a political talk show by a 57-year-old man who said he wishes to die. He asked why the Completed Life Bill is only persons age 75 and older. I have to wait 18 more years. I dont feel like waiting 18 years. I want it now, he said.

Pechtold replied, Its my personal opinion that in our civilization dying is an individual consideration. You didnt ask to be brought into the world. He went on to explain that currently there is political support for legalizing euthanasia for healthy elderly persons. If we want to maintain that support and not disrupt the discussion then we have to take it step-by-step. In 2002 we passed the euthanasia law for unbearable suffering. In my view, Pia Dijkstra can now continue persuading parliament and the country toin my own words and personal opiniontake the next step for our civilization.

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Illustration from Pixabay, CC0, Public Domain

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Euthanasia for a completed life - Patheos (blog)