Euthanasia Quotations

"...it is choice alone that is being honoured, without regard for what is chosen."

The principle of respect for one's autonomy or self-determination is widely cited in support of the practice of euthanasia, when it is clearly what the person has requested, in the name of respecting choice. But choice is not in itself determinative of necessary action, especially when it is choice alone that is being honoured, without regard for what is chosen. To promote choice for its own sake is more akin to self-indulgence than self-determination. It is the philosophy of a pre-schooler in a candy shop. ... Brian Pollard, M.D., retired Anaesthetist and Palliative Care Physician

"...it is possible that the terror of the euthanasia ethic - tolerated by medicine and an indifferent public and practiced by a few physicians - may grip many invisible and vulnerable Americans." ... C. Everett Koop, M.D., the former Surgeon General of the United States

"Society's prohibition of intentional killing ...is the cornerstone of law and social relationships. It protects each of us impartially, embodying the belief that all are equal. ... ... Luke Gormally, from an article published by The Linacre Centre

"To kill them is a form of abandonment..."

Those who advocate euthanasia do so in the name of compassion. In this they are undoubtedly sincere, but misguided. Compassion is derived from Latin and means to 'suffer with', and in the context of dying persons, it translates as walking the rest of life's journey beside them, seeking their comfort at every stage. To kill them is a form of abandonment, precisely because the journey is too tough on others.... Brian Pollard, M.D., retired Anaesthetist and Palliative Care Physician

"...it is proper and advisable to call it killing..."

Though euthanasia is the crime of murder, its advocates are justified in being unhappy about it being described in this way. Murder is usually a malicious act, while euthanasia is seen as merciful. But while euphemisms for euthanasia should be avoided, it is proper and advisable to call it killing, not to be provocative but to ensure that everyone keeps in mind what is really at stake.... Brian Pollard, M.D., retired Anaesthetist and Palliative Care Physician

"The claimed justification for euthanasia first takes the moral high ground of compassion. When a truer form of compassion is found in palliative care, the ground shifts to an appeal to human rights, especially to the sovereignty of self- determination." ... ... Luke Gormally, from an article published by The Linacre Centre

"Then along come doctors working for HMOs who are under pressure to cut costs, and the deed is done" ... ... Ralph Nader, saying he was worried that the Oregon assisted-suicide law targets terminally ill patients who suffer from depression or who worry about being an undue financial burden to their relatives.

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