I recently wrote to the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying.
Evidence from other jurisdictions; Canada, Belgium – shows thousands have availed of it, so once a law is enacted it is certainly far from rare (witness the abortion referendum).
One point stood out for me when I watched the committee on RTÉ News Now; that of people feeling under pressure to die. That pressure, I know from experience, often comes from oneself.
From the age of 27 for six years I wished I was dead and attempted suicide a number of times. I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and am on medication. With mental health services underfunded who is to say that someone who is not well supported would not in addition to feeling suicidal for their own reasons would not also feel society would rather they get off the stage?
Depression also is a terrifying illness, because when you are in it you see no way out. Mentally ill and depressed check into Dignitas as is.
With support, there is no reason for everyone suffering to come through awful times and live life to the full. Mental illness is a sign there is something not right, and when these things are tackled through therapy life is transformed. I sometimes slip back into old thoughts but they are largely transient now. There is life post-mental illness.
I received a reply from most of the committee which I was thankful for, and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) who said
…our core advice to the Oireachtas …must be informed by human rights and equality standards, including close consultation with at risk groups. …robust safeguards … to ensure that particular groups are not placed at risk. (My italics – are not we all the risk? Rather like stated fears that AI will discriminate against … that would be all of us!