Agenda Profile: Irja Lutsar
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, and amending the Disability Support Act (604 SE) – third reading
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for Bill 604 SE, particularly the provision concerning advance directives for end-of-life care, emphasizing respect for individual autonomy. This stance is value-based, focusing on honoring the patient's wishes and ensuring clarity in medical decision-making. The speaker clearly represents the position of the Eesti 200 party, calling on Riigikogu members to vote in favor of the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of medicine and end-of-life ethics, explaining developments in intensive care and issues related to irreversible conditions. Technical clarity is evident in the distinction drawn between an advance directive (end-of-life declaration of will) and euthanasia, as well as in the mention of the medical abbreviation PET (Positron Emission Tomography). The analysis is based on confirmations provided during the involvement sessions of experts and the Social Committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is explanatory, empathetic, and persuasive, balancing medical and ethical arguments. The speaker uses personal experiences (witnessing patients in hopeless conditions and their relatives) as an emotional appeal, but primarily focuses on the logical analysis of the law's content and consequences. The tone is formal and serious, aiming to dispel fears prevalent among the public.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaking pattern indicates active involvement in the legislative process, particularly in the work of the Social Affairs Committee and during engagement sessions, where questions were directed to the law's drafters. This pattern of activity is linked to supporting the final phase of a specific draft bill (604 SE) in the Riigikogu. The speaker is committed to providing a comprehensive explanation of this sensitive topic.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct criticism of opponents, but the speaker actively addresses public fears and misconceptions surrounding the draft law, such as those concerning accidents involving young people. The criticism is aimed at unregulated situations, like assisted suicide, which causes confusion and for which the so-called Tammert case is cited as an example.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style is consensual, noting that the bill’s name achieved the best possible consensus under the given circumstances. The speaker emphasized the cooperation with the law’s drafters and experts, who provided clear answers to the questions that arose during the proceedings. This indicates a readiness to accept compromises for the sake of adopting the law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is end-of-life autonomy and respect for the patient's wishes, which constitutes the core value of the draft legislation. The speaker emphasizes that this is a declaration of free will that can be repeatedly amended. Furthermore, the discussion addresses the necessity of regulating assisted dying to prevent confusion surrounding these sensitive topics, as well as the importance of improving the quality of palliative care.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting Bill 604 SE during its third reading, specifically concentrating on establishing regulations for end-of-life declarations. The speaker acts as a proponent, emphasizing the law's significance and its capacity to grant individuals the autonomy to determine the scope of their own medical treatment. Furthermore, the need to streamline the legal regulation of assisted dying in the future is also highlighted.
3 Speeches Analyzed