The slippery slope to death by doctor’s order
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The Royal College of Physicians’ decision to end its opposition to assisted dying is morally indefensible and gives a green light to activists.
By Neil Scolding
Imagine (if you will) a progressive movement, a modernising trend, opposed by the majority, supported by an enlightened minority. Imagine (it won’t be difficult) the radical minority to be full of passionate intensity, certain that their view must prevail. They call a vote. The electorate gets it wrong and rejects them. The electorate is instructed to vote again. They get it wrong again. Now what? You cannot stop the march of history! Obviously there must be a third election, but too much is being left to chance. So you make two innovative and imaginative changes. First, you don’t so much shift as walk away with the goalposts; and second, announce the result in advance. So another vote is called, and simultaneously the outcome declared. Unless two-thirds oppose your change, the new, progressive position will now be adopted. ...
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