Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Why does the idea of someone withdrawing medical care not have the same impact as assisted dying? You could say the same because we allow for the right to refuse medication legally. Why has that not had a knock on effect on everybody who might think they will do that when they see that people want to avail of assisted dying? The public support is there with people saying they want to see some change in this regard. We already have a way for people to die within the legal framework in terms of resisting medication but it does not have any ripple effect into society where everyone chooses that just because it is there as an option. It is the same with abortion care or reproductive rights; we do not have people who choose it just because it is an option. I think it somewhat undermines the value of people’s capacity to be able to choose what is or is not right for them while also ensuring that supports are in place for those who may not understand the options that are available to them.