The Archbishop of Sydney voices strong criticism against a proposed legislation bringing down the age limit for voluntary assisted dying to 14 in the Australian Capital Territory.
Newsroom (03/07/2023 10:40, Gaudium Press) Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney has expressed concern over a proposed legal framework in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) that would allow children as young as 14 to access voluntary assisted dying (VAD). He warned that if such a law were implemented, it could lead to euthanasia being available to “anyone that wants it.”
Voluntary assisted dying has been legalized in several Australian states, including South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales. However, in these states, the minimum age for accessing VAD is 18, and there are requirements that the person must be suffering from a disease or condition causing them significant distress and be capable of making independent decisions.
The proposed legislation in the ACT seeks to lower the age limit to 14 and remove the requirement for a specific expected time of death. The ACT Human Rights Minister, Tara Cheyne, argued that young people under 18 can also experience unbearable suffering due to terminal illnesses and should have the same end-of-life choices as adults. She also indicated that the law could potentially include provisions for dementia patients.
Archbishop Fisher has criticized the proposal, stating that jurisdictions that have legalized euthanasia tend to gradually weaken their safeguards over time. He expressed concern that starting with a low age limit would ultimately result in a lack of protections. He also questioned the inconsistency of considering 14-year-olds too young to drive or vote but capable of making life-and-death decisions.
The debate over the proposed legislation in the ACT reflects ongoing discussions and differing perspectives on the topic of voluntary assisted dying and the appropriate age limits and safeguards for its implementation.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
