Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
Draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act (advance directive of a patient’s end-of-life will) – first reading (604 SE)
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly supportive of the draft Act amending the Health Services Organization Act (Patient's End-of-Life Advance Directive) (Bill 604 SE). The framework of the bill is value-based, emphasizing bodily autonomy and ensuring a dignified end of life, making existing rights applicable even to those who are unable to express their will. The speaker considers this amendment very important, although essentially it is a technical matter of implementation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of healthcare law and medical ethics, referencing the stipulation of patient autonomy in the Law of Obligations Act 22 years ago. They understand the practical dilemmas faced by intensivists and anesthesiologists and employ specific terminology (e.g., bodily autonomy, end-of-life declaration of intent). When describing the draft legislation, the metaphor "future transaction in healthcare" is used.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and optimistic, emphasizing the exemplary nature of the legislative process and the achievement of compromise. Both logical arguments (making existing rights enforceable) and emotional appeals (a dignified end of life, peace of mind) are utilized. The speaker attempts to expand the discussion beyond legally binding aspects to encompass broader societal change and the documentation of personal wishes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activities is limited to supporting and introducing the first reading of the specific draft bill (604 SE) in the Riigikogu chamber. The speaker emphasizes the need for IT solutions and training for healthcare professionals before the bill comes into force in 2027.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no confrontation; the speaker focuses on addressing the deficiencies in the existing legal framework, rather than criticizing opponents. The problem is instead viewed as the current law's inability to ensure the implementation of the wishes of the elderly and those lacking decision-making capacity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is very appreciative, thanking and praising everyone involved in the preparation of the draft law—doctors, ethicists, specialists, officials, and Margit Sutrop. The speaker emphasizes that the draft bill is the result of a long and exemplary process, during which heated debates were held and a compromise was ultimately reached.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, centered on reforming Estonia's legal framework and healthcare system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is patient autonomy and a dignified end-of-life, emphasizing the need for a societal discussion on the topic of death. Support is also given to enabling spiritual support (chaplaincy) and the documentation of personal wishes, which provides people with peace of mind.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting and processing the Act amending the Health Services Organization Act (604 SE). The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill and praises its drafting intention process as an example of exemplary law-making. The goal is to ensure the bill enters into force by 2027, along with the necessary IT solutions and training.
3 Speeches Analyzed