Critics of the proposed assisted dying law warn that it risks fundamentally undermining the doctor-patient relationship and the foundational ethics of medicine. By transitioning from a role of healer to one that can facilitate death, physicians may lose the trust of patients who fear that their medical team might prioritize efficiency or cost-saving over the preservation of life. Opponents argue that once the line is crossed, it becomes difficult to prevent the gradual expansion of criteria to include those who are not terminally ill but simply feel like a burden to their families or the healthcare system.
There is significant concern that the introduction of assisted dying will diminish the focus on and funding for palliative care. If death becomes a standard medical procedure, the incentive to invest in complex pain management and psychological support for the dying may weaken. Critics fear that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the disabled, and those with limited financial resources, will be disproportionately affected. They argue that in a society where care is expensive, the 'right to die' could too easily transform into a 'duty to die' for those who feel they are a drain on resources.
Furthermore, many medical professionals feel that their conscience is being disregarded. They argue that the practice of medicine is inherently dedicated to the protection of life, and that being asked to participate in its termination creates an impossible moral conflict. Even with conscience clauses, the presence of such procedures in hospitals could change the culture of care, making it less focused on the sanctity of life and more on the management of death.
Ultimately, opponents call for a renewed commitment to improving palliative care rather than legalizing assisted dying. They believe that if the state truly wants to help those in pain, it should focus on universal access to high-quality end-of-life support that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of the dying, rather than offering a solution that they view as a dangerous departure from the medical mission.