Discussion If there was a legalized RTD and pro-lifers, anti-choicers were held accountable, how will society shift?

[TAW122]

In our current world and society, we are seeing an evergrowing surveillance state and even crackdown towards potential CTB ideation, planning, and even attempts. To add to this point, throughout the last half century or even longer, there has been laws that require "mandated reporters" (people/persons within certain professions or hold certain authorities to report any hints, suspicions, or even those who may be a danger to others or themselves, lest face legal consequences (both civil and criminal) for failing to do so). Meanwhile, in some jurisdictions, we see more progress being made in terms of legalizing the right to die (namely medical assistance in dying, death with dignity, and similar programs, policies, systems). Therefore, the idea is what if we lived in a society where the right to die is actually RESPECTED and treated as an inalienable right, similar to that of freedom of speech, voting rights, the right to privacy (freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures – US 4th amendment), and various other rights?

In an older thread (linked here), I discussed a case where someone who was fortunate enough to have caretakers who respected his decision for an assisted death. While assisted death isn't legal in his state (which was CA if I recall), as he had to be terminally ill, six months or less to live, and various other eligibility requirements and hoops to jump through, he was accepted at Dignitas which allowed him to exit peacefully and with dignity. I know that if I were him and in his situation, with limited mobility, stamina, and energy in such a frail state, I would certainly not have acknowledge nor entertain the pro-lifers or even those who oppose my decision as a start.. Even if I had the ability and means to respond, I certainly would not be very welcoming, perhaps some harsh words towards opposition towards my bodily autonomy. I certainly saw (per usual, the Internet, and Reddit (a cesspool platform), and many other spaces) some pro-lifers who try to gaslight, or even push him to change his mind (even though his mind was already made up!).

So back to the main point of this thread, which is what would happen in society if there was a codified, legalized right to die, AND those who obstruct, interfere, or intervene against ones who have already ESTABLISHED, got the GREEN LIGHT to proceed? In other words, it is the opposite of the current law, where the current law is either heavily repealed or amended to include an exemption or exception to it; so similar to Canada's MAID program and it's laws surrounding MAID, but with additional legal protection for those who are eligible and are seeking such services. So by this, I mean someone who has gone through the hoops, are eligible, have been confirmed, and continuously (even to the very moment, unwavering) show their consent to the very final moment, was then obstructed either by their friend, family member, or any other third party, and then there are actual legal consequences (criminal and civil); which may entail interfering with a medical/clinical decision (IANAL – this is just layman's terms and examples), or even any other applicable charges.

In the end, I think if society were to make a shift in that direction, opposite to what our current reality, our current society is, then a lot of things may change. People who want to die having an inalienable, immutable right and legal protections, such that they would be able to exercise that right in a controlled, safe manner. There would be much less walking on eggshells, hiding one's (true) motivations and intentions, no more sneaking around acquiring information, procuring methods, taking unnecessary risks, and of course, no more risky, brutal methods that have a significant chance of failure (or even if successful, leaving a lot of trauma for the bereaved), and more. What are your thoughts on this, do you think society would be less paternalistic, perhaps less busybodies trying to impose their will on unwilling participants?

 

[itsgone2]

It's hard to picture. I assume if this were legal, widespread, then opposition would follow. But the numbers wouldn't even be that large, in comparison to abortion.
I see their point. They don't want some slippery slope leading to young people making a mistake. But right now there are plenty of unwilling participants to go around.

 

[L'appel Du Vide]

I think it would mostly just be more ease of communication, difficult conversations being open and honest like other topics instead of being hidden away. Greater or broader changes would be a great amount of learning and healing from a topic and situation that are too easily ignored by the folks who don't already care. I think I see society learning more from things that are more universally inflicted. Like the changes in attitudes after the 1960s civil rights movement in the USA.

 

[TAW122]

@itsgone2 Yeah I think there will always be some level of pushback for the right to die (even if one day it becomes legalized and protected). You are likely correct that it won't be as popular as abortion since right to die versus a woman's right to choose to conceive are two different things with the latter becoming more popular and established. Somehow, there is slightly less taboo with abortion compared to RTD or so.

@L'appel Du Vide I think that may be true too, and hopefully in the coming decades or so, the right to die becomes more normalized and tolerated in society.