Agenda Profile: Margit Sutrop
Second reading of the draft law amending the Health Services Organisation Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, and other related acts, as well as amending the Act on Support for Working Capacity (604 SE)
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of Bill 604 SE, which addresses a patient’s end-of-life advance directive and the refusal of medical treatment. This stance is value-based, stressing patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence, thereby shifting the focus from paternalistic medicine toward a truly person-centered approach. The speaker emphasizes that life should not be prolonged at all costs if it is no longer deemed worth living.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of biomedical ethics and healthcare law, employing specific terminology such as "patient autonomy," "beneficence," "palliative care," and "ethics committee." This expertise is grounded in personal experience as a member of a hospital ethics committee and five years spent working in expert groups and ethics councils on the preparation of draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and persuasive, focusing on logical and ethical arguments, particularly concerning the topics of patient autonomy and physician confidence. The speaker uses structured explanations (four main changes) and refers to ethical principles, maintaining a measured and educational tone.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been actively involved in preparing the draft legislation, participating since 2020 in a working group composed of various stakeholders and serving as a member of the hospital's ethics committee. They also refer to earlier discussions held at the Doctors' Union conference and the work done by Commission Chair Signe Riisalo.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation; the speaker is instead addressing questions that have arisen concerning the bill's title and substance (e.g., 'patient's testament' versus 'declaration of intent'), offering explanations. He refers to Priit Sibul's earlier remarks, but primarily uses them to affirm the content of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and inclusive, emphasizing the five years of work undertaken in preparing the draft legislation with various expert groups, ethics councils, and medical stakeholders. The speaker expresses clear agreement with Riina Solman regarding the priority of developing palliative care.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (healthcare information system, legislation) and at the international level (a reference to the use of a proxy worldwide); there are no references to specific regional problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints focus on healthcare financing, emphasizing the need to find a suitable financing model for developing and expanding palliative care options. This indicates concern regarding national priorities and the allocation of resources within the healthcare sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is end-of-life care and patient self-determination, with the speaker strongly emphasizing the consideration of the patient's personal values and preferences when making medical decisions. This position is heavily oriented towards civil liberties and a person-centered approach, aiming to ensure that every individual receives care that respects their unique personality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the adoption of the draft bill (604 SE) amending the Health Services Organization Act, a measure for which the speaker is a strong supporter and advocate. As the next priority, emphasis is placed on the development, expansion, and funding of palliative care options.
2 Speeches Analyzed