Sir, – The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying’s recommendations that will allow for assisted suicide and euthanasia of those persons with a medical condition that is “incurable, irreversible, progressive, and advanced” and will cause death within six months, and 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions, may find support among those who feel we should respect the wishes and preferences of persons who do not wish to suffer (News, March 7th). But the recommendations will sound the alarm bells for those of us who work with vulnerable adults, and know that some may consider euthanasia because they do not want to feel a burden on others, some may be in a state of shock at a diagnosis and might rush into a decision based on fears of what that illness might bring, and others who lack capacity may be at risk of family members who are no longer willing to care for a relative who is becoming a financial and physical burden. There is also the concern that the limitations on assisted dying will be extended in time, as has been the case in other jurisdictions. – Yours, etc,
Yours etc,
FRANK BROWNE,
Dublin 16.
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Sir, – If the Taoiseach is concerned that a No vote would be a setback for the country (News, March 7th), wait until he reads the recommendations from the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying. Now there’s a real setback for the country, and its most vulnerable citizens in particular. – Yours, etc,
Prof TONY O’BRIEN,
Consultant Physician in Palliative Medicine,
Rochestown,
Cork.
