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EUTHANASIA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2021

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Abstract

In this article I consider the impact of euthanasia/physician-assisted suicide on the way we live and the relationships we have. I argue that embracing the practice of assisted dying is a deficient form of care that will erode the respectful and responsible human bonds that hold us all well in community.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Institute of Philosophy, 2021

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References

Notes

1 Lecretia died peacefully aged 42 on 5 June 2015, the same day that the Seales vs Attorney General ruling declining her application for euthanasia was released to the public. Lecretia was not assisted to die. However, Lecretia's high- profile case has led to a binding referendum to legalize euthanasia in New Zealand. This referendum was held on 17 October 2020 and asked the question ‘Do you support the End of Life Choice Act 2019 coming into force?’. In order to make an informed, considered decision on the matter, voters should have made sure that they had read and understood what the ‘End of Life Choice Act 2019’ entailed. The outcome of the referendum was that 65.1 per cent of voters said ‘yes’, which will make euthanasia legal under the terms of the Act from 6 November 2021.

2 Pilcher, George, A Time to Live: The Case against Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (Oxford: Monarch Books, 2010), 13Google Scholar.