Assisted dying bill needs to be analysed

Chris was correct about future health care challenges. In coming decades we face a rapidly aging population, a shrinking tax base and increases in health problems like dementia.

 Chris’ perspective was pragmatic. It was also chilling.

 It suggests that it is feasible that euthanasia could form part of government planning for service provision for people nearing end-of-life.

This planning may unfold relatively simply when systems try to use resources as efficiently as possible – viewing euthanasia as a back-up plan should some patients not be able to access treatments.

If that sounds far-fetched, consider two cases from Oregon where patients’ applications for medical treatment were rejected, but followed by departmental notifications informing the patients they were eligible for assisted dying.

Many people worry that some elderly people will be pressured into requesting euthanasia if it is legalised.

On this topic we have to consider elder abuse. This country is waking up to the extent and nature of elder abuse. It can take different forms: financial, emotional, physical or protracted neglect.  

The 2016 Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence noted that risk factors for elder abuse included dependency on carers, social isolation, poor health, disability and the accumulation of assets.

On elderly people’s wealth, the Commission heard that “financial elder abuse may begin with the best intentions … This can quickly progress to a sense of entitlement, particularly when adult children have mortgages or debts … The children may justify their actions by saying: ‘Mum doesn’t need money now, and it’s going to be mine anyway’.”

Reported instances of elder abuse included: fractured bones from assaults by family members; the altering of an elderly lady’s will and bank details after she was drugged; and the failure to toilet or clean a bedridden elderly person for a fortnight.

Public concerns about patient safeguards are recognised in the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2016.

The Bill, which will be considered by the Tasmanian Parliament today, makes it an offence – punishable for up to five years – to coerce or influence on another person to make an assisted dying request. 

But everything we know about crime prevention would suggest that this law will have little effect. Why? First, the chances of detection will remain very low.  

Secondly, multiple opportunities may present to commit the crime.

Thirdly, the crime is easy to commit; it takes no planning or skill to repeatedly verbally pressure an elderly person behind closed doors.

Fourthly, the crime may be attached to a reward, such as access to the victim’s assets.  

Finally, offenders may convince themselves that the pressure they are exerting is not wrong because, for example, the caring is too great a burden for their family to bear. 

The Tasmanian Parliament should analyse the Bill with great caution.