On Euthanasia, I Have This to Say...

A 33-year-old man with congenital cerebral palsy and multiple severe disabilities has voiced strong opposition to the legalization of euthanasia in Taiwan. He argues that in the absence of a robust social support system, the push for "death with dignity" is superficial and potentially coercive.

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Dying is not difficult; solving problems is difficult.

"Dying is not difficult; solving problems is difficult," he stated, emphasizing that the real issues lie in inadequate long-term care, personal assistant services, and accessible community environments. He cited a recent case where a patient with a rare disease was portrayed as choosing death, but he believes the underlying problem was the lack of societal support for living with dignity.

The advocate criticized politicians for twisting the deceased's words to promote euthanasia, calling it a form of "systemic invisible violence." He contends that pushing for a euthanasia referendum while Taiwan still struggles to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and improve accessibility is putting the cart before the horse.

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He wasn't leaving because he had to, but because Taiwan didn't give him an option to live well.

He believes the state should prioritize "perfecting the options for living" by strengthening social systems and ensuring economic security for individuals with severe illnesses and disabilities. Establishing legal mechanisms for death before ensuring dignified living conditions, he argues, is an abdication of the welfare state's responsibilities.

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This is not another form of systemic invisible violence?

Furthermore, he warned that a public referendum on euthanasia could marginalize minority groups with disabilities and severe illnesses, given the existing societal biases. He urged a focus on resource allocation and structural support rather than framing end-of-life choices as purely personal decisions. Until Taiwan guarantees equal rights to independent living and survival, he opposes any referendum that promotes euthanasia as a passive solution.

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Prioritize perfecting the options for living: improve social systems and guarantee economic security for families with severe illnesses and disabilities.