“Death by Doctor”: An Argument Against the Worldwide Growth of Assisted Dying Laws
Dr. Vernon Coleman argues that physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia laws are expanding globally and will eventually target vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, poor, and mentally ill. He claims that programs introduced with strict limits quickly broaden over time, citing Canada as a key example. He contends that euthanasia is often portrayed as painless and compassionate but can involve distressing medical complications. He suggests that governments and institutions support these policies for economic and political reasons, including reducing healthcare costs. Coleman concludes that euthanasia laws represent a dangerous trend that should be resisted.
Broader claims:
Toward the end, Dr. Coleman suggests euthanasia policies are tied to wider agendas such as depopulation, cost-cutting in healthcare, and organ harvesting.
Expansion of eligibility:
Dr. Coleman claims that when assisted-dying laws are introduced with strict limits (for example, for terminally ill patients), those limits tend to expand over time to include people with disabilities, mental illness, or other non-terminal conditions.
Examples from Canada:
Much of the article focuses on Canada’s MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) program. Dr. Coleman argues that its scope has broadened since legalization in 2016 and presents anecdotal cases where people with disabilities, poverty, or mental health issues were allegedly offered assisted death.
Concerns about coercion and vulnerability:
Dr. Coleman claims that economic hardship, lack of healthcare resources, disability, or social isolation could pressure people into choosing assisted death rather than receiving support or treatment.
Criticism of political and legal systems:
Dr. Coleman accuses governments, courts, and politicians of pushing euthanasia legislation without sufficient public debate and suggests that such laws could be abused or expanded in the future.
Arguments about the euthanasia process:
The article disputes claims that assisted dying is painless or peaceful. Dr. Coleman cites reports of complications during lethal injections or drug ingestion to argue that the process may involve distressing outcomes.
https://www.vernoncoleman.com/goesglobal.htm
