Alex Schadenberg, executive director and chairman of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition based in Canada, is currently in Ireland to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding euthanasia and assisted dying. On 17 October, the Dáil is scheduled to discuss the majority report produced by the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying, which has recommended the introduction of a form of euthanasia and assisted dying. Although no vote is currently scheduled, the intended outcome of this discussion remains unclear.
Dangers of Assisted Dying
Mr Schadenberg addressed the media today regarding the inherent dangers of adopting such proposals. He pointed to harrowing cases and statistics from Canada that should give Irish legislators cause for concern. According to projections by Mr Schadenberg’s organisation, assisted suicides in Canada surged by 15.4% between 2022 and 2023. Canada now has one of the highest rates of euthanasia in the world, with 4.1% of deaths attributed to the “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAID) programme.
Previous Engagements in Ireland
In November 2023, Mr Schadenberg delivered a keynote speech at the Hope Ireland Conference held in Dublin. Hope Ireland, founded in 2015 by the late disability rights activist Dr Kevin Fitzpatrick OBE, is dedicated to campaigning against euthanasia and assisted dying in Ireland. Representatives from Hope Ireland provided expert testimony to the Joint Committee during its deliberations last year.
Uncertain Future for Euthanasia Legislation
With a general election approaching, the actions of the current government regarding the majority report from the Joint Committee remain uncertain. However, Mr Schadenberg and other advocates have cautioned that Ireland must not become complacent on this issue. They urge the country to heed the warnings from other nations, particularly Canada, which has faced devastating consequences following the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted dying.