Novara FM: Against Assisted Dying w/ Ellen Clifford
Feb 13, 2025
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Ellen Clifford, a prominent disability activist and author of "The War on Disabled People," discusses the contentious topic of assisted dying and its potential dangers for disabled individuals. She shares concerns over coercion and the fear of being pressured to choose death instead of receiving support. Clifford critiques the societal implications of eugenics, explores the activism landscape, and emphasizes the need for enhanced care rather than hastened end-of-life options. Their conversation sheds light on the intersection of disability rights and ethical considerations in contemporary debates.
The Assisted Dying Bill raises serious concerns among disability advocates about potential coercion and pressures faced by vulnerable individuals.
There is a significant historical context linking eugenics to current attitudes about disability which could influence perceptions of quality of life.
Enhancing social support systems for disabled individuals is crucial to provide real choices and prioritize inclusive environments over assisted dying options.
Deep dives
The Case for Assisted Dying and Its Complexities
Advocates for assisted dying often emphasize the notion that individuals should have autonomy over their lives and deaths, especially when facing unbearable suffering from terminal illness. However, this perspective presents a simplistic view that neglects the intricate realities of disability rights and societal pressures. Disability advocates express concern that the bill could inadvertently coerce vulnerable disabled individuals into choosing assisted dying over accessing necessary support and care. The ongoing discussion around this topic reveals a tension between civil liberties and the potential risks to marginalized communities.
Disability Advocacy and Government Policies
Disabled rights organizations have raised alarms over the deterioration of conditions for disabled individuals in the UK, particularly under successive governments. Recent changes to welfare assessments and policies have led to fears that the proposed assisted dying bill may further jeopardize the quality of life for disabled people. Activists like Ellen Clifford highlight the historical struggle against austerity measures and their contribution to the systemic violations of disabled people's rights. The litigation outcomes against government consultations reflect the urgent need for more comprehensive policies to safeguard disabled people's well-being.
Concerns About the Assisted Dying Bill's Implementation
As the assisted dying bill progresses, there are significant concerns over its implementation, especially regarding safeguards for vulnerable populations. Initially, the legislation proposed judicial oversight, but this was later changed to a panel of healthcare professionals, raising alarms about potential coercion and discrimination against disabled individuals. Critics argue that the sheer logistics around accessing healthcare and support systems can lead those in precarious positions to feel pressured towards assisted dying, rather than advocating for holistic care options. This bill's framework therefore risks normalizing a troubling narrative that prioritizes death over life-enhancing support.
Eugenics and Societal Attitudes Toward Disability
The historical context of eugenics and its resurfacing in contemporary discussions about disabled lives cannot be overlooked. Many disabled activists point out that societal narratives framing disability as a burden can influence perceptions about worthiness of life, especially under economic pressures faced by the aging population. The fear is that, as observed in jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, individuals may seek to end their lives due to socio-economic factors rather than genuine medical necessity. This reflects a deeper societal disregard for the value and potential contributions of disabled individuals, reinforcing a dangerous precedent.
The Intersection of Care, Choice, and Community Support
Central to the debate over assisted dying is the issue of support systems available to disabled individuals, which remain critically underfunded and overburdened. Advocates argue that enhancing social support frameworks would alleviate suffering and offer real choices for living rather than dying. Many emphasize that a society should prioritize creating inclusive environments where disabled individuals feel valued and supported, rather than considering assisted dying as a viable option. Such a cultural shift could foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of lives and encourage a commitment to collective well-being.
Your death should be your own, as much as possible. That’s one of the principles behind the Assisted Dying Bill. It lets adults with less than 6 months to live end their lives. But disability campaigners fear that people who don’t want to die might be pressured to let themselves be killed. Ellen Clifford is […]
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