In an online discussion about euthanasia in Canada, I was asked why I cared whether or not someone wanted to die. “It is a decision between a person and their doctor alone.”
Why do I care? People make choices every day that I disagree with. Sometimes they make choices that hurt themselves. I don’t protest against those. When it comes to euthanasia or assisted suicide, why should I speak up? This is not a choice one can heal from. It is permanent and ends in death.
Why do I care? People make choices every day that I disagree with. Sometimes they make choices that hurt themselves. I don’t protest against those. When it comes to euthanasia or assisted suicide, why should I speak up? This is not a choice one can heal from. It is permanent and ends in death.
Here are just a few of the victims:
Thomas Dillon, 45, a man with Crohn’s disease and depression, was assessed outside Tim Hortons and euthanized. Kiano Vafaeian, 26, a man with diabetes, depression, and failing eyesight, was euthanized without his family’s knowledge. Noelia Castillo, 25, a rape victim and suicide survivor, was euthanized against her family’s will. Esther Beukema, 33, an anorexia patient and suicide survivor, was euthanized with her family’s full support. An unnamed woman in Canada was euthanized against her will because of her husband’s “caretaker fatigue”. A “incurably ill” 12-year-old in the Netherlands was euthanized with their parent’s consent. Many people who were isolated or homeless have been euthanized in Canada.
The media reports that in their last days, these patients seem happier and more at peace. What they don’t mention is that this is not an isolated phenomenon. The same is true of many suicidal individuals. After planning their suicide, they frequently appear happier. We rightfully regard their deaths as a tragedy, not as an empowering choice.
The media reports that in their last days, these patients seem happier and more at peace. What they don’t mention is that this is not an isolated phenomenon. The same is true of many suicidal individuals. After planning their suicide, they frequently appear happier. We rightfully regard their deaths as a tragedy, not as an empowering choice.
“Just before a suicide attempt, when the individual has made the decision to kill herself, she may appear much calmer, happier, and more relaxed. That's because she is no longer in turmoil.” Psychology Today
No matter how they may appear, statistics show that many regret their choice. All of the Golden Gate Bridge survivors said that after jumping, they wanted to live. How do patients who are given euthanasia feel? We don't know. There is no second chance, no survivors to share their experience. They are put to sleep and/or paralyzed before death. If they regret it in their last moments, they don't have the ability to say so.
For some reason, we don't consider people seeking MAiD suicidal—even though they fit the definition. What is the difference between a person we'd hold back from jumping off a bridge and a patient requesting a lethal injection? Both feel there is no other option. Both are desperate and in pain. Both spent time planning their death. Both are using their free will and making a choice. The only difference is that we treat one and tell them that their life is worth living, while encouraging the other to 'jump.'
“First, a person who is suicidal believes they are a burden to others, a perception often clouded by feelings of depression and anxiety.” Psychiatric Times
What about their choice? Telling someone they must pick between suffering and ‘dying with dignity’ is not giving them a choice. There have been many cases where patients were offered no treatment, only euthanasia. The medical system is discouraging to begin with, and doctors are suggesting MAiD to everyone from veterans with PTSD to people seeking help for suicidal ideation. Many of the elderly are isolated in nursing homes and feel like a burden on their family. Supporting their death is affirming their depression.
Why do I care? Why do I speak up? It's not my life at stake.
Picture this. A man is driving to work and sees someone about to jump off a bridge. He does not know the pain that person is facing. He cannot walk in their shoes or take their burdens from them. It's not his life or his business. In fact, stopping will probably inconvenience him and might even put him in danger. But he does stop, and he wrestles with that person until they are off the ledge and safe. He waits until help arrives.
When people prevent suicide, they are heroes. Good people see suffering and death and care enough to speak up about issues that do not affect them personally, instead of ignoring them.
"The real damage is done by millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don't want their little lives to be disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes." - Sophie Scholl
I don't know the pain people seeking MAiD have faced. I cannot walk in their shoes or take it from them. I still care. Those people need to hear a voice telling them they are loved and valued, not just by me, but also by their Creator. Their life has purpose. They have and can impact more people than they know.
Canada has some of the most liberal laws on euthanasia in the world. We've surpassed 100,000 deaths. The United Nations has called for the repeal of some laws and expressed concerns for our older and infirm citizens. Major newspapers such as the Associated Press and National Press are raising alarms about abuse within the system. The slippery slope arguments I was told would never happen are happening before my very eyes.
I have friends with chronic illnesses and mental health struggles. My government is saying that their lives are not worthy of protection. I have friends who are veterans or have survived abuse. Doctors are actively offering suicide to people in their shoes. I have many friends who are elderly, who have lived long lives and are starting to see physical and cognitive decline. Society is saying that it is reasonable and good for them to want to end their lives now, that they’re a burden on the system and aren’t productive anymore. Society is saying that it’s cheaper and better for the healthcare system for those who are disabled to die. People have already been forcibly euthanized against their will.
This may not personally affect me, but it is personal because I care about these people and my country. Throughout history, we've seen what happens when we trust people's lives to doctors and politicians... Dehumanization happens.
Every time I see a comment justifying these deaths—whether it be for Crohn’s, PTSD, or just old age—I see them justifying the death of a friend. They’re saying that a life is not worth living or saving, and affirming the lie of suicidal ideation. Telling someone that euthanasia is the way to die with “dignity” tells them that to live or die otherwise is undignified.
It is my business to speak up and to speak the truth. People are not burdens, and lives are not less dignified because of disability or age. Doctors are meant to treat patients, not end their lives. If someone is suicidal, they need to know that there is hope and that they are valuable and loved.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve heard about suicide awareness and prevention. As a society, we need to look out for one another and help save lives. I’m not going to stop doing that because we’ve suddenly decided certain lives aren’t worth protecting. If someone says they would be better off dead, I will always assure them that death is not the answer and that the world is better with them in it.
