Agenda Profile: Margit Sutrop
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 speaker strongly supports the draft legislation concerning end-of-life decisions and the termination of futile treatment, emphasizing its value-based nature in protecting individual freedom, dignity, and autonomy. The position is highly supportive, stressing the importance of avoiding suffering and ensuring a dignified death. Furthermore, it is proposed that a debate be initiated regarding the legalization of assisted suicide. This political position reflects the supportive stance of the Reform Party faction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of medical ethics and law, referencing the Law of Obligations Act and clarifying how the draft bill differs from euthanasia or assisted suicide. Specific terminology is employed ("informed consent," "patient's advance directive") and the necessity of training for physicians (e.g., anesthesiologists, oncologists) is underscored. Specific experts and organizations, such as the Estonian Medical Association and Dr. Katrin Elmet, are also cited.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is serious, persuasive, and rational, focusing on logical arguments concerning human dignity and legal clarity. Authoritative references (experts, the Council of Churches) are utilized to build consensus, and the tone remains formal and respectful ("Honorable Speaker of the Riigikogu! Esteemed Members of Parliament!"). The emotional appeal centers on the avoidance of suffering and ensuring a dignified death.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been actively involved in stakeholder engagement, citing meetings held last week with hospital directors, members of ethics committees, and the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu. This demonstrates direct and recent communication with professional circles during the preparation of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Opponents are not directly criticized; instead, considerations that may be controversial (e.g., religious considerations) are addressed, while noting that the Council of Churches has approved the bill. The criticism is directed instead at the previous uncertainty among doctors regarding the implementation of the law, a problem for which the draft offers a solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is inclusive, emphasizing thorough consideration and discussion with various parties and interest groups, including experts and the Council of Churches. Specific thanks are extended to the Estonian Medical Association and other contributors, which indicates broad-based cooperation with professional associations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the implementation of the law across the entire Estonian healthcare system and highlighting the need for physician training. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tartu is mentioned specifically regarding the necessity of training doctors, but there is no local or regional emphasis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are secondary; the speaker emphasizes that the bill’s purpose is not saving resources, but preventing suffering. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that discontinuing futile treatment will result in resource savings if it does not need to be administered over years or decades.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns patient autonomy and dignity when making end-of-life decisions, which is viewed as a fundamental right. Religious considerations are also discussed, noting that the Council of Churches has approved the draft legislation because it allows individuals to die with dignity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the third reading of the Draft Act amending the Health Services Organization Act (604 SE), which aims to regulate the termination of futile treatment and enforce the patient's advance directive. The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill and emphasizes the need to develop appropriate training for doctors so that they are equipped to counsel patients.
2 Speeches Analyzed