‘Assisted dying is not compatible with palliative care’ - Palliative Care Paediatrician
Palliative care workers have spoken out about why they cannot support the drive to legalise assisted dying.
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Mike Wills (in for John Maytham on CapeTalk) speaks with Palliative Care Paediatrician Dr Michelle Meiring.
Listen below:
The debate over whether assisted dying should be legalised has been gaining momentum in South Africa.
Palliative care practitioners have penned an open letter saying they do not support legalising this practice.
They argue that in a country where public healthcare is under strain and palliative support is unevenly available, assisted dying could do more harm than good.
Dr Meiring adds that assisted dying is not compatible with the principles of palliative care, and this practice could be dangerous for the most vulnerable in our country.
She says palliative care has made great strides and can manage most types of pain to relieve a person’s suffering.
“When someone requests assisted dying, they obviously have unbearable suffering, and it should really be a last resort.”
- Dr Michelle Meiring, Palliative Care Paediatrician
She adds that if a person has access to adequate palliative care and support, they may not feel the desire to end their life.
“When people are feeling desperate, they are going to think of desperate measures.”
- Dr Michelle Meiring, Palliative Care Paediatrician
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Her other argument is that assisted dying can be abused, and certain people may feel coerced into opting for assisted dying over pain management alternatives.
“The slope is very slippery, and the safeguards do not always protect the vulnerable.”
- Dr Michelle Meiring, Palliative Care Paediatrician
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