Tipperary TD Michael Lowry will be voting against the Assisted Dying Bill in the Dáil today.
The Bill aims to provide the right to assisted dying for people with a terminal illness that has been diagnosed by two doctors and where the ill person has the capacity to make the decision to choose to end their life.
The Independent Deputy says even with the relatively stringent rules proposed it should not be allowed to happen on the basis that it has the potential to be abused.
Michael Lowry says we should learn from the experience of other countries.
“There are several examples of from other countries where Assisted Dying or Euthanasia was introduced with rigid rules and later became more and more liberal. I cannot and will not be supportive of legislation that has the potential to reach this level. I cannot be supportive of any legislation that could cause any fears whatsoever to our vulnerable, elderly or ill people.
Deputy Lowry also feels that doctors should not be forced to make life and death decisions.
“I have huge compassion for people who are suffering and my decision to vote against this Bill is not in any way due to a lack of sympathy or empathy. However I cannot be supportive of handing life and death decisions over the medical professionals. I do not feel that doctors who are also human beings should be required to make such decisions.
“As a TD and legislator I am not prepared to facilitate individuals playing God with a life.”
