Public Statements

The Irish Palliative Medicine Consultants Association represents consultants working in palliative medicine across the Republic of Ireland. As a group of experienced and committed clinicians, we are privileged to collectively look after thousands of patients living with and dying from life-limiting illnesses every year.

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The IPMCA is deeply disappointed that the majority Joint Committee on Assisted Dying report recommends a change in legislation to allow for assisted dying, both euthanasia and assisted suicide, in Ireland.

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We recognise and acknowledge the real concerns of those grappling with the multiple challenges and losses as the end of life approaches: the fear of being a burden, concern about erosion of dignity, autonomy and personhood, the loss of hope and purpose in life. We accompany and support our patients and their families as they live with life-limiting illnesses and witness their courage and determination.

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In considering assisted dying, we must consider both the individual and the societal impact. Compassionate care is safe. In a progressive and inclusive society, we believe the fears and challenges of life-limiting illnesses, particularly if they lead to a wish a die, should be responded to with better care: better practical, psychological, psychiatric, social and palliative care support for patients and for their families, rather than facilitating an early death. In view of this, we do not feel that legislating for assisted dying is the appropriate answer to address these concerns. As outlined in our oral evidence & written submissions, we believe that:

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• Assisted dying will inevitably & disproportionally place vulnerable people within our society at risk.

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• Assisted dying will fundamentally and negatively change how society views people with serious illness and engages with living and dying.

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• Assisted dying will inevitably expand to include more people than first envisaged, as is evident in all jurisdictions where it has been in place more than a few years. We are concerned that the experience in Ireland will be no different to observed and known international trends.

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We appreciate the deliberations of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying and the consideration it has given to this challenging subject. We welcome and echo its recommendations for enhanced resourcing to ensure consistent, equitable provision of palliative care, mental health services and robust support for informal carers.

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We acknowledge the recommendations for the implementation of safeguards, but re-iterate our reservations that, as observed in other jurisdictions, meaningful safeguards are eroded over time.

 

We await the careful consideration and scrutiny that members of the Dáil and the Seanad will give the contents of both reports of the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying. As a group, we are eager to continue working with all parties to support, empower and protect the interests of people living & dying with life-limiting illnesses and to provide safe, compassionate care.

Published 28 May 2024