Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
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 cautious and conservative regarding the draft legislation on end-of-life declarations, emphasizing the necessity of ruling out any possibility of abuse and ensuring patient safety. The bill is viewed as idealistic, sending the wrong signal—as if certain individuals were a burden on society. This is a value-driven position, stressing that palliative care must be fully developed before the topic of voluntary dying can be addressed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of medical ethics and healthcare organization, emphasizing the shortcomings of palliative care and hospice facilities, as well as the role of the Hippocratic Oath. Legal and medical terms such as "assisted suicide" and "euthanasia" are used, and reference is made to the previous positions of the Chancellor of Justice and studies conducted in other countries. The role of the ambulance crew leader (who may not be a doctor) in implementing the advance directive is separately highlighted.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, cautious, and substantive, emphasizing delicacy and clarity when addressing a sensitive topic. Both logical arguments are employed (the absence of regulations, the recovery of young people) as well as a moral appeal (dignity, the fear of being a burden). The speaker addresses members of the Riigikogu and the public, utilizing references to the media and church leaders.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been active in the deliberation of the draft bill, participating in the discussions of the Social Affairs Committee (which took place already a year ago) and meeting with the minister in the Isamaa faction. This pattern indicates a deep and consistent engagement with the analysis of the bill's details.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the idealistic approach taken by the bill’s initiators and the ruling party’s assessment of society’s maturity, criticizing the absence of regulations and the role of the ambulance team leader during implementation. Criticism is also directed at the behavior of the State Chancellery employee, who snapped when questioned about the links to euthanasia.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker thanks the Minister for bringing the topic to the floor and colleagues for the substantive discussion, noting that the debate has been dignified despite the differing views. At the same time, the need for further meetings with the Minister within the faction is emphasized, as the draft bill generated additional questions, which points toward conditional cooperation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives briefly address the growing financial needs of the healthcare sector. It is mentioned that implementing the declaration of intent could generate savings, which should hopefully be utilized to improve treatment options.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern revolves around a dignified end of life and the fear that the proposed bill sends the wrong message to older citizens, suggesting they might be viewed as a burden. This is a conservative stance, stressing that before the issue of voluntary dying is even considered, the state must guarantee access to palliative care and effective pain management. Furthermore, there is a distinct emphasis on the need for further public discussion of the topic and the necessity of conducting relevant research.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the deliberation of the Act Amending the Health Services Organization Act (Bill 604 SE). The speaker is a critical opponent, demanding the refinement of the draft, the addition of specific implementing regulations, and the prioritization of the palliative care action plan before the declaration of intent is legalized. A proposal is being made to change the name of the draft to "declaration of intent to cease treatment," rather than "declaration of intent to end life."
7 Speeches Analyzed