Prof. Margo Somerville: Euthanasia - Moral Decay?

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I’m really excited to share this compelling talk from Professor Margaret Somerville — an internationally recognised bioethicist who’s spent over 40 years researching the ethics and law around end-of-life care. In this address she opens with an Acknowledgement of Country, then calmly and forcefully explains why she believes legalising euthanasia and voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is dangerous and a sign of moral decay. Drawing on decades of scholarship and broad experience in law, medicine and ethics, Professor Somerville argues that proper pain management and palliative care are ethically and legally distinct from euthanasia, and that introducing VAD risks harming vulnerable people and undermining trust in healthcare. This video is a must-watch whether you’re already engaged in the VAD debate or just starting to explore the issues — it’s thoughtful, evidence-informed and challenges the assumptions that often dominate public discussion. Please watch, think critically, and join the conversation in the comments — I’d love to hear your perspective.

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I’m thrilled to bring you this powerful presentation by Professor Margaret Somerville — a leading voice in bioethics who has worked across law, medicine and public policy for more than four decades. In this talk she begins with an Acknowledgement of Country and then lays out, with clarity and compassion, why she opposes the legalisation of euthanasia and voluntary assisted dying (VAD).

Professor Somerville explains the ethical distinction between good pain management and euthanasia, emphasising that effective palliative care is not the same as intentionally ending life. Drawing on her extensive research and international experience, she outlines the practical and moral risks she sees in legalising VAD: threats to vulnerable people, erosion of trust in health professionals, and the potential for a societal shift that normalises ending life as a solution to suffering.

This is not a polemic — it’s an informed, reasoned argument that challenges widely held assumptions. Whether you work in health, law, policy or simply care about the future of end-of-life care in Australia, this talk is essential viewing. Please watch all the way through, share if you find it thought-provoking, and leave your respectful views below — I read every comment. If you want more content like this, hit follow and check out my channel for debates, expert talks and interviews on ethics, health and public policy.

Content note: This video discusses euthanasia, assisted dying and end-of-life choices and may be sensitive for some viewers.

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