The ongoing debate surrounding assisted dying and abortion in Ireland raises significant ethical and social concerns. In 2024, the Irish parliament's Joint Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying recommended introducing legislation for assisted suicide, a move that has sparked fears of potential harm to vulnerable individuals. The previous government, which had made no commitments on this issue, was replaced in early 2025, leaving the future of such legislation uncertain.

Critics of the process, including those involved in the UK House of Commons discussions led by Kim Leadbeater, have pointed to a lack of thorough scrutiny and the absence of opposing testimonies during committee hearings. In contrast, the Irish Committee's deliberations were more extensive, yet the final report favored recommendations for assisted suicide despite evidence suggesting risks associated with such a regime.

The article raises questions about the implications of choice at the end of life, drawing parallels to the earlier removal of constitutional protections for the unborn in Ireland. It notes that the legal framework currently offers no rights to a human child until three months after conception, a situation that has led to a significant increase in abortions since the 8th amendment was repealed.

Statistics indicate that the number of abortions performed on Irish citizens has risen dramatically, with over 10,000 reported in 2023 alone. This trend raises concerns about the societal impact of prioritizing choice over the protection of vulnerable populations, including unborn children.

The discussion extends to the topic of assisted suicide, where proponents argue for autonomy in decision-making. However, the article highlights that many individuals who choose assisted suicide cite feelings of being a burden, suggesting that societal pressures may influence these decisions. The notion of choice is framed within a broader context of legal and cultural influences, emphasizing that it does not exist in isolation.

The article also addresses the emerging issue of surrogacy in Ireland, where the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 has established legal rights for adults to create children through surrogacy. Critics argue that this legislation lacks the necessary safeguards to protect the rights of children and may lead to exploitation of vulnerable women.

In contrast to Ireland, many European countries have prohibited surrogacy, citing concerns over human rights abuses and the ethical implications of prioritizing adult desires over child welfare. The article concludes by reflecting on the shifting moral landscape, where utilitarian ethics increasingly overshadow traditional views on the sanctity of life, raising critical questions about the future of human rights and protections for the most vulnerable in society.