THE legalisation of euthanasia in the Netherlands is a dangerous precedent that will only give strength to the arguments of campaigners for medically assisted suicide in Australia.
The Dutch law, which looks set to win approval from the country’s upper house, opens the flood gates, placing doctors, who are committed to saving lives, in the difficult position of being asked to end a person’s life.
The circumstances under which a person’s life can be ended are extraordinary. The new law in the Netherlands would allow patients as young as 16 to request euthanasia, in consultation with their parents.
Human life is increasingly becoming a part of our disposable society.
Along with abortion, euthanasia degrades the basic principle of protecting life.
The slightest imperfection seems to be an excuse for extinguishing a person’s life, whether in the womb or outside it.
People’s voices of protest need to be amplified if this trend is to be stopped.
