OBJECTION 7 - If voluntary euthanasia were legal it would diminish
respect for human life and lead to acceptance of lives being ended without request.
Answer:
Every significant social reform has its detractors who predict dire consequences;
yet in retrospect the reform is seen as basic human justice. The abolition
of slavery, the prohibition of child labour and equal rights for women
are obvious examples. We believe the legalisation of voluntary euthanasia
will eventually be viewed in the same way.
The "slippery slope" or "thin end of the wedge" objection is a powerful
one because it plays on our instinctive fear of change, of moving into
unchartered territory, of engaging in a venture which, although desirable
in itself, is portrayed as too hard to control. The objection is developed,
not by addressing genuine problems of effective management, but by speculating
on hypothetical scenarios without adequately establishing their credibility.
The mere fact that such scenarios can be invented is held to be proof that
they must occur. When the objection is developed in this way it often masks
an objection on quite different grounds.
There is no logical sequence that requires that a practice that is good
in itself must lead to something that is bad. It is necessary to examine
the merits of a given proposal, noting where the boundary lies and how
it will be maintained. The merits of the proposed reform are that it is
based on sound moral principles (see Fact Sheet 9),
it meets an urgent human need and it does no more than provide an option
of last resort under strict guidelines and safeguards.
Its boundary is unambiguous. The voluntary requirement (applying to both
doctor and patient) clearly sets the limit. Far from reducing respect for
human life, respect is enhanced when the personal autonomy of the frail
and vulnerable is recognised and protected.
It is not possible to base a case for non-voluntary euthanasia on the practice
of voluntary euthanasia. Our free press, legal system and democratic process
provide powerful safeguards against any attempt to blur the boundary set
by the voluntary requirement.
Hon Secretary, SAVES, PO Box 2151, Kent Town, SA 5071, Australia.
email info@saves.asn.au
Revision: May 2008
