Notes

Abortion

From Manifesto:
➢ Decriminalise Abortion. Neither the person having an abortion, nor any doctor involved should be criminalised. Abortion should be a health policy issue, not criminal.

○ Legalise Medical Abortions up to the first trimester (12 weeks). Medical abortions account for a growing share of how abortions are done in many countries. It involves the use of 2 types of pills; Mifepristone & Misoprostol.
■ Accessible & free through telemedicine, public & private healthcare facilities.
● Aim to ensure the process is as anonymous as possible.
■ Classify Mifepristone & Misoprostol as an essential medicine. To ensure there is always accessibility at the national level.
■ If for health reasons the individual is unable to have a medical abortion, then give the choice for a surgical one.

➢ Legalise Surgical Abortions in exceptional circumstances, even at a later stage in the event of a/an;
○ unsuccessful medical abortion;
○ a non-viable foetus;

○ pregnancy endangering the pregnant person’s life;
○ pregnancy has a significantly negative effect on the mental health of the individual and may risk the person’s life;

➢ Introduce Abortion Aftercare services.

Euthanasia

From Manifesto:
Assisted Dying
➢ Legalise Voluntary Assisted Dying;
○ For competent adults who suffer from “constant and unbearable physical suffering that cannot be alleviated”. Ensure that the following criteria are met before allowing assisted dying:
■ The person is a competent adult who suffers from “constant and unbearable physical suffering that cannot be alleviated”.
■ The person undergoes an ex-ante evaluation with at least two independent doctors and one psychiatrist, that need to confirm the person is a competent adult who suffers from “constant and unbearable physical suffering that cannot be alleviated,” and that the person is making the request out of their own free will, not coerced or pressured by other persons.
■ The person’s request must be made earnestly and with full conviction, as determined during the ex-ante evaluation.
○ Ensure that during the procedure;
■ the person stays in full control of the process. Indeed, the physician’s role is to supply, but not to administer, the lethal drug.
■ family and friends are allowed to be present if the patient chooses so.

○ Put in place an ex-post committee to review all cases of assisted dying, composed of at least a medical expert, an ethicist and a legal expert. Every instance of assisted dying must be reported.

■ Ensure that no doctor is forced to take part in such a procedure.

Volt Manifesto