The pro-euthanasia argument is full of inconsistencies. 

From euphemistic names meant to deflect from the reality of the practice, to claiming killing someone is “compassionate”, or politicians legalising the act to “ease suffering” without doing anything to improve palliative care, pro-euthanasia arguments never quite add up.

But few inconsistencies are as self-serving as a recent ruling from German assisted suicide provider Verein Sterbehilfe (Sterbehilfe, German for euthanasia literally translates to Die Help).

A statement from the organisation said:

Euthanasia and the preparatory examination of the voluntary responsibility of our members willing to die require human closeness. Human closeness, however, is a prerequisite and breeding ground for coronavirus transmission. As of today, the 2G [vaxxed or recovered] rule applies in our association, supplemented by situation-related measures, such as quick tests before encounters in closed rooms.

In short, Verein Sterbehilfe will happily help you take your own life, but first you either need to be ‘2G’, geimpft oder genesen, vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. 

It makes sense right? Because if you aren’t taking your health seriously, you don’t deserve Die Help. 

The 2G rule, they say, is for the protection of those providing the service.

Because of course, all protections must be given to those giving the lethal jabs. It’s just a shame that there aren’t as many protections put in place for vulnerable people who believe assisted suicide is their best option. 

Germany legalised euthanasia in 2020, the same year they implemented some of the strictest lockdowns, including a bona fide two class society of the vaxxed and unvaxxed.

We’ve seen this same story on repeat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Harsh restrictions and mandates implemented across society, ostensibly for the protection of the elderly and vulnerable, in countries that are making it easier and easier to end life for that same demographic.

If only we gave the same protections and assistance to those seeking suicide as we do to those administering it. 

Perhaps Germany’s 2G law, as inconsistent as it is, may turn out to be a good one. Some people seeking an early death will be delayed, and with any luck they’ll get the genuine support they really need in the meantime. 

With any luck they’ll discover that even in the darkest times, there is always hope.