Euthanasia: Do you oppose it or support it?

The quickest and surest way to stifle conversation is to raise the issue of Euthanasia.  

These are the big questions where you can have your say.  We’ll be addressing one each day. This is an open space for discussion about some very confronting debates in out society. How do you feel? What do you think? These are the real Q&A for the over-60s of today.  Let’s find our voice together.  

The quickest and surest way to stifle conversation is to raise the issue of Euthanasia. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott stepped into the vacuum this week calling for a block on euthanasia citing virtues and ethics as a reason to see one Australian state abandon a euthanasia bill. 

 On euthanasia, there is clearly two sides to the debate, which we want to understand your stance on today. 

For: 

Should we, as mature thinking people, consider whether there are some circumstances in which it is acceptable that life should be intentionally ended?

Polls suggest it is likely there are some ‘cases’ that would attract widespread support – for example that of an old person, of sound mind, who has a terminal illness for which there is at the present time no known cure and who is suffering pain and distress – and causing it to others. In such circumstances they should be able to take action to terminate their life.

Against: 

There are some people who believe – regardless of the circumstances – euthanasia is morally wrong. For these people the issue should not be contemplated, and certainly not discussed.  Their beliefs, their hopes and even their personal circumstances contribute to why.  And it is interesting to contemplate.  

There is no doubting the other side of the debate, where circumstances leave the argument less clearcut. For example, where a person is younger in age and where the development of medical science may deliver a way of treating their ailment so they can live a life that brings them (and possibly others) happiness. Or that a person suffering an ailment, no matter how ultimately life-threatening it may be, is not suffering any pain or distress.

Taking the discussion deeper

The next thing to consider when talking euthanasia is what methods are and should be considered acceptable (or unacceptable).

So today we invite you to discuss ‘the big issue’ and where you sit on the subject and why. What are your thoughts?