Agenda Profile: Helmen Kütt
First reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Vital Statistics Registration Act (106 SE)
2024-01-11
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on closing the loophole in the Vital Statistics Act concerning the registration of unassisted home births. The speaker strongly supports Bill 106 SE, stressing the necessity of safeguarding the child's interests and the human dignity of the parents, which are currently being infringed upon. This position is clearly policy- and value-driven, aiming to resolve a real social problem that necessitates litigation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Although the speaker admits to not being a lawyer, they demonstrate competence in legal drafting processes and knowledge of specific case law (e.g., Tallinn Administrative Court administrative matter 3-21-2840). This specialized awareness is also evident when explaining the complexity of vital records procedures and the associated social ramifications (DNA testing, delays in benefits). Furthermore, they are familiar with the inter-ministerial coordination (Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior) involved in resolving this issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an analytical and respectful style, focusing on the logical dissection of legislative loopholes. Both legal references (court rulings, conventions) and emotional appeals (the human dignity of parents, the interests of the child) are utilized to underscore the gravity of the issue. The tone is statesmanlike, calling for cross-party cooperation and commending the approach of the bill's initiator, Varro Vooglaid.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s course of action involves thorough preliminary work, including reviewing the positions of the Government of the Republic and the minutes of the Legal Affairs Committee. Furthermore, contact has been established with practicing lawyers and the chairman of the Viljandi Hospital Patients’ Advisory Council, which demonstrates active information gathering outside the structures of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the stance taken by the Government of the Republic and the Ministry of Social Affairs, which does not support the draft bill, citing the wrong legislation and the potential risk of human trafficking. The criticism is measured but clear, emphasizing that while the ministries acknowledge the existence of the problem, they are failing to offer a swift solution. The government’s position is characterized as an unreasonable procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for a cross-party solution and expresses a willingness to cooperate, pending a joint draft bill from three ministries (Justice, Social Affairs, and Interior). He is prepared to wait for the solution until autumn, but threatens that he will otherwise seek like-minded individuals in other parties to resolve the problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Although the topic is national, the concerns of families in Viljandi County and the experiences of Malle Vahtra, the chairperson of the Viljandi Hospital patient council, are highlighted as examples. This demonstrates a focus on bringing attention to the issues facing specific local communities in order to illustrate the scope of the problem.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic rationale focuses on reducing the financial burden on families, stressing that the current situation results in expenses for families (DNA testing) and delays the receipt of family and maternity benefits by several months. The objective is to avoid unreasonable administrative costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on protecting the rights of families who choose unassisted home birth and ensuring the swift registration of the child's birth. The speaker emphasizes respecting family choices and prioritizing the child's interests in accordance with the convention, while criticizing the unfair procedure implemented by the state that violates human dignity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is supporting Draft Law 106 SE of the Vital Statistics Procedures Act to eliminate a legal gap in the registration of births. The speaker supports this initiative and has proposed specific ways to move forward, such as involving the Social Affairs Committee, or alternatively, waiting until the autumn for the ministries' draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed