Korea, Catholics against euthanasia: A horrible way to cut medical costs
Seoul (AsiaNews)
- A "recommendation" in favor of euthanasia sent by the National
Commission of Bioethics to the Korean parliament has sparked reactions from
civil society, with Catholics at the forefront in denouncing "abuses and
distortions" which "stem primarily from a desire to
cut medical costs with no respect for human life", Ku In-hoe, director of the
Institute of Bioethics at the Catholic University of Korea Tells AsiaNews.
The
proposal presented by the Commission - which rose to public prominence in the
country for allowing the research of Dr. Hwang Woo-suk, who
falsely claimed he could clone humans - recommend that doctors stop life-prolonging treatment for vegetative or terminally ill patients.
According
to the text "a document stating the patient's will is necessary," but
for terminal or unconscious patients "it should be the family to decide".
Professor
Ku In-hoe tells AsiaNews that the proposal "could be abused by people hoping to manipulate
patients in a vulnerable position. Without addressing the moral issue, there are huge holes legislation.
For example, if there is no precise and documented will, you can not put a
person's life in the hands of a third party because this would violate the
human and civil rights of the patient."
The
academic adds, "There
is the risk of abusing the law or violating basic civil rights when the
patient's own will is unclear. If the decision is made only based on
testimonies by third persons, such as the doctors, family members or an
attorney, the patient's own will may be distorted," said Ku. "For example,
family members may distort the decision due to their financial burden or
inheritance problems. Therefore, extra safety measures should complement such
loopholes in the law. Though
we are opposed regardless, because life is sacred. "
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