Guernsey Deputy Lester Queripel proposed a controversial solution to the island’s financial woes. During a recent meeting with the Health & Social Care Committee (HSC), Queripel suggested legalizing assisted suicide could potentially save millions of pounds annually.
Queripel’s argument is twofold. Firstly, he believes the legalization of assisted suicide could lead to significant financial savings. Secondly, he argues it would alleviate the suffering of terminally ill islanders who wish to end their lives, but are currently unable to do so legally.
The Deputy’s proposal comes at a time when the island is grappling with severe financial challenges. He urged the HSC to consider every possible avenue for cost-saving, stating that ‘no stone should be left unturned.’
According to Queripel, the introduction of assisted dying on the island could result in ‘considerable savings.’
Unlimited abortion, Gun Control, the MAID program (assisted suicide in Canada) are all an affront to the sanctity of life.
— Rhonda Mary (@iamrhondamary) August 30, 2023
However, Queripel’s argument extends beyond mere economics. He also highlighted the potential benefits for terminally ill patients. He stated these individuals could be spared ‘months of unnecessary excruciating pain and suffering’ if they were allowed to choose when to end their lives.
To further his point, Queripel posed several questions to the HSC.
He asked how many people had been kept alive against their wishes in the past five years, the cost of their medication and treatment, and the number of staff hours dedicated to keeping them alive.
These questions underscored his belief that the current system is both financially and ethically questionable.
Families warn of slippery slope in assisted suicide
Source: CTV Vancouver ( YouTube) pic.twitter.com/dpchCFeRN9— Wittgenstein (@backtolife_2023) August 23, 2023
Despite his strong advocacy, this is not the first time assisted suicide has been debated in Guernsey. The issue was previously discussed following the screening of the film ‘Fatal Flaws,’ which played a significant role in defeating an assisted suicide bill in May 2018.
Queripel’s stance is clear: ‘Many people don’t want to keep on living, and I think we need to put a figure on that.’
His words reflect a growing debate about the right to die and the ethical implications of assisted suicide. However, whether his proposal will gain traction remains to be seen.
As Guernsey continues to grapple with its financial crisis, it will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds and what decisions are made regarding the issue of assisted suicide.
