When New Zealanders go to the polls in September, they will also be asked to vote in a referendum on assisted dying.

Parliament already passed the End of Life Choice Act in 2019, but the referendum will decide whether it comes into force.

We will be asked if we accept or decline the right of people to seek an assisted death, without the need for consultation with family and with no stand-down period other than a requirement of 48 hours to prepare the medication. The act would allow people to choose when they die and by what means, whether the medication is self-administered or given by suitably qualified clinicians.

This appears an ideal scenario, affirming the right to choose, but it is a deeply profound decision for the public to make. Many may be unaware of issues beyond the goal of ending suffering for people with life-limiting conditions.

My research shows an assisted death can have repercussions for many people those left behind or others struggling with a chronic disease. Experiences from countries where assisted dying has been legal for some time have highlighted these challenges.

Read more: One year of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria: 400 have registered, despite obstacles

In the Netherlands, assisted dying has been legal for 18 years. Over time, there have been notable slips in the criteria that have to be met. This includes the level of physical suffering, which is a subjective experience, and the requirement that people must be competent to agree to an assisted death at the point of administration. This may not be possible for people with dementia who have previously given written consent but can no longer consent at the point of death.

While the law hasnt changed, its interpretation has, and people with mental illness can now also request an assisted death. Data from the Netherlands show one in 30 people now die by euthanasia, compared to one in 90 when the law was introduced in 2002.

In the US, some medical insurance companies pay for an assisted death but not for palliative care. This removes any notion of choice and autonomy from the person.

In Canada, where assisted dying has been legal for four years, the number of people seeking medical help to die has risen significantly, with figures more than doubling year on year. This has exposed unexpected consequences, such as fear of judgement for leaving family members unsupported after an assisted death and stigmatisation of clinicians, whether or not they support people choosing the time of their death.

Read more: In places where it's legal, how many people are ending their lives using euthanasia?

To consider assisted dying legislation as an issue of individual autonomy denies that we are part of a much larger group with complex connections. This is particularly important when we consider Mori and Pasifika populations, whose voices are notably absent from the current act in New Zealand.

The act proposes people may seek assisted dying without any consultation with whnau (family), but the impact of an assisted death reaches far beyond relieving suffering for the individual. The ripple effects can fracture families and communities. As the act currently stands, it has the potential to cause greater harm than good.

We can already see this oversees, for example in Canada and Switzerland, where those who use assisted dying and their immediate family guard this information closely. This is likely happening because of stigma attached to dying in this way, even when it is legal.

The New Zealand legislation carries this risk. It includes restrictions on disclosure of the use of the law and on individuals being recorded as having died an assisted death, often for insurance purposes.

There is another significant issue to consider. One persons assisted death could influence the decisions of others and this contagion effect could play out in two ways.

Those who are not aware of the legislation but discover a friend or family member is accessing it may consider using it themselves. More concerning is people with chronic conditions may feel obliged to seek assisted dying, should they feel burdensome to their family.

There is a notable difference in the New Zealand population in how support for elders or unwell family members is provided. Mori and Pasifika people tend to care for their sick and elders while pkeh (New Zealanders of European descent) often rely on external support. Our research shows when one family member has an assisted death, others with a chronic illness can feel an expectation for them to consider it.

Such broader consequences of introducing assisted dying legislation are often hidden, but they must be addressed as New Zealand moves towards the referendum. The current binary positioning of the debate focuses on autonomy of the individual versus protecting the public, whereas the reality is that assisted dying is more than merely either of these opposing values. It has already been demonstrated that the effects of assisted dying legislation reach beyond the individual and, as such, must be considered as we enter this referendum. The act lacks the necessary detail to make a fully informed decision.

The idea that choice is being given to a popular vote is, in itself, problematic. It is suggestive of a government unwilling to take responsibility for the fallout, should the referendum produce a supportive vote.

We need to safeguard our families and communities from these social consequences of assisted dying legislation. Vulnerable populations have to remain safe from persuasion to die and there has to be a supportive framework for those left behind after an assisted death, so they can grieve without feeling stigmatised.

See more here:

Assisted dying referendum: why NZ's law lacks necessary detail to make a fully informed decision - The Conversation AU

Three orphaned grizzly cubs now on display at the privately-owned Greater Vancouver Zoo represent a disappearing opportunity for survival of a threatened species, says conservationists.

General manager of the zoo, Serge Lussier, said Wednesday, Theres two options for bears so young when the mother dies is euthanasia, or find an approved zoo.

The trio were found by Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers in Crowsnest Pass in April after their mother was killed by hunters.

They were sent for care away from the public at the Calgary Zoo, who ended up passing the responsibility to the Aldergrove zoo.

During that time, 104 signatories many B.C. and Alberta scientists or conservationists wrote a letter to the Alberta government, urging the rehabilitation and release of the cubs back into the wild, given that grizzly bears are a threatened species in Alberta, the letter reads.

More specifically, the age and health of these three cubs make them ideal candidates for the only grizzly cub rehabilitation program in North America, namely the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in Smithers, B.C.

The Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources sent an email statement to the Star, confirming the Smithers rehabilitation program was ruled out because it is a pilot, and not considered operational.

Formal best management practices for the facility are in the process of being developed. These are critical to standardize facility construction, humane care and handling and proof of concept, the statement continued.

Co-founder of the shelter, rehabilitationist Angelika Langen, has successfully released 22 bears into the wild during the 13 years the program has been in operation.

Everyone says we are still in a pilot project and they are awaiting results, yet they dont give us the cubs to prove it, she remarked.

Of the three six-month-old grizzly cubs at Greater Vancouver Zoo two of them are female.

Our efforts to prove long-term [grizzly bear] survival and re-integration into the wild population would have made a big step forward with the females, said Langen, noting their reproduction capabilities.

READ MORE: Red Panda dies at Greater Vancouver Zoo

As it stands, in Alberta there are only 700 surviving grizzly bears, according to the Alberta Wilderness Association. This, compared to 15,000 most recently recorded in B.C. by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Of 25 cubs government approved for the Northern Lights Wildlife project, only three were female, Langen emphasized.

B.C. bear researcher/biologist and letter signatory, Wayne McCrory, said the zoos one-acre enclosure is not nearly large enough to house the cubs for the rest of their lives.

Bears are not social animals. They are very solitary individuals and like to have their own space, said the grizzly bear researcher and biologist of 40 years.

Typically, they range over very large areas, and thats their freedom that is their home.

McCrory, also a director with the with the Valhalla Wilderness Committee, said that because the Calgary Zoo purposefully kept the cubs away from the public, they have a good chance of being rehabilitated and released back into Alberta wilderness.

READ MORE: Greater Vancouver Zoo animals suffer boredom and frustration, humane society says

Greater Vancouver Zoo animal care manager, Menita Prasad, maintained that because the cubs are human imprinted, it is not ideal for them to be released into wild.

McCrory with years of experience reducing human-bear conflict in Kananaskis Country, Alta. said the zoos mission of educating Metro Vancouvers public about the species is redundant, considering Grouse Mountain already takes care of that with their two captive grizzly bears.

Ultimately, the zoo stands to profit by increased attendance from these captive bears, McCrory said.

B.C. conservationist and director of Bears Matter, Barb Murray, along with other letter signatories, like McCrory, are in a race against time to see a bear rehabilitation expert examine the zoos new cubs to assess whether they are eligible for rehabilitation.

We are prepared to pay the expert to fly in, Murray said, Six months isnt that old.

Until we have a definitive answer from a bear expert it is a question mark we just cant answer. Let them be assessed now before their fate is sealed, she urged.

READ MORE: Giraffes death shocks Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove

The zoo in Aldergrove has previously been criticized for how it cares for its animals, particularly large species which have died in its care.

Lussier, the zoos general manager, insisted the triplets are adapting well to their new surroundings and are having fun discovering their new habitat.

We have the habitats, we have the experts, and were so proud to be a part of this, he said.

AldergroveConservation

More:

Conservationists raise concerns over state of care for grizzly cubs transferred to BC zoo - Surrey Now-Leader

The big stink

Beaconites have been hearing complaints about the sewage-smelling water that has been washing over the road near Road Reef Marina in recent days. They hope government officials will handle the issue straightaway before more residents health is endangered. Until then, they can only say, Yuck!

The Paddle and Party for Promoting Animal Welfare on Saturday was a much-needed success for an organisation that needs a lot of help right now. A Beaconite who attended doesnt paddle, but many of her friends (and at least one of their pets) did, and she helped raise money for an organisation that, like so many, faces more challenges than ever in Covid-19 times. PAW, as an offshoot of its work spaying and neutering pets at low cost, normally relies on travellers to escort animals on commercial flights to foster or adoptive homes in the United States. Of course, closed borders have nearly shut down travel in both directions. As a result, the animal shelter has become overrun, with many healthy potential pets facing euthanasia if they cant be placed in homes. This epidemic of animal suffering is just another unforeseen and largely forgotten problem caused by Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns. However, the Beaconite has not forgotten, and she hopes readers dont either. To support PAW, go to https://tinyurl.com/ya3jq4w2.

A Beaconite has been on an endless search for turtles. Her heart has sunk as each day passes when she doesnt see any tracks across the sand or moving black dots across the moonlit beaches. It is not a solitary journey, and for that, shes grateful. Time passes quickly in the presence of good-hearted and intellectual turtle watchers. Every day, there is a shimmer of hope and a plan to stay for a couple hours. Sunsets spent on the beach are the best way to end a long day, watching the celestial turning of the universe. Adjusting her eyes to the moonlight has sharpened her vision and her senses. Somehow shes tied to the journey of survival of these creatures now. The investment is there, just as their mother invested in the beach. The natural progression of time continues, and the turtles are on their own schedule. The reporter will just wait patiently. Sometimes the journey is the most valuable part of a story.

Despite living in the Virgin Islands for almost a year, a Beaconite had never been to a full moon party until Sunday. Prior to that, it seemed as if the full moon always fell during an excessively busy time for him, or he couldnt coordinate with any friends who wanted to go, and without a car of his own couldnt find a reliable way there and back. Now that he has his own car, he was determined not to miss the first full moon party following the coronavirus lockdown. Though he typically aims for Sunday evenings of quiet and lots of sleep to properly prepare for the workweek ahead, he thoroughly enjoyed switching it up to something a little more lively.

One Beaconite isnt the biggest fan of needles. In fact, that might be an understatement considering shes gotten somewhat woozy the last few times she had blood drawn and might be known to shed a tear when getting a shot even though shes 25 years old although such reports are complete hearsay. But when she heard the Virgin Islands Red Cross was urging community members to sign up for the online blood donation registry, she filled out the form, paced around her room a bit, hopped up and down to shake out her nerves, then hit send. She figures if one less-than-stellar afternoon spent donating could help someone who really needs it, the discomfort would be well worth it. And its an excellent reason to treat herself to some cookies if called on to donate. Anyone interested in signing up can visit http://www.redcross.vg/giveblood.

Read the original here:

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK (July 16, 2020) - The BVI Beacon - BVI Beacon

OPINION: There are just ten weeks until the general election and the campaigning season is well under way. There will be controversial referendums on legalisation of recreational cannabis and on law that would allow euthanasia.

And this comes as the world is still in the grip of the worst pandemic since 1918.

Surely, your votes count more than ever this election. And, to us at Massey University and at Stuff, your opinions about government performance and policies are greatly valued.

Thats why we are running a pre-election survey that asks about the effects on you of the Covid-19 pandemic and numerous other topical matters.

READ MORE:* Labour starts election season with unity, purpose and a crushing lead* Budget 2020: Will $50b injection boost Jacinda Arderns re-election chances?* Cannabis referendum: Poll shows yes vote leading by 5 points

Dom Thomas/Pool

From the middle of last year until early this year, the National Party was leading Labour in the opinion polls.

In 2017, ahead of the last election, Stuff and Massey University conducted two similar online surveys. We wanted to hear your political opinions your hopes, fears and expectations.

At that time, political commentators were mainly chattering about the dual shocks of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump the year before. Populist politics was the big issue.

We wondered if there would be a similar voter backlash in New Zealand.

The 2017 survey asked how much people trusted (or distrusted) governments, and what the mood of the nation was. The results revealed a high level of discontent and desire for change.

Large majorities were concerned about poverty and inequality in New Zealand.

After that election, we witnessed a change of government to a Labour-led coalition with NZ First, supported by the Greens.

THE DETAIL/RNZ

New Zealanders have a democratic right to vote in the general election. This episode of RNZ's The Detail looks at what is stopping people from voting.

Since then, we have also witnessed horrific terrorist attacks on Muslims, the tragedy at Whakaari/White Island, a global pandemic, a strict national lockdown and, as if that werent enough, an economic recession.

Covid-19 is forging significant social and economic change. Public opinion has shifted dramatically in ways that we could not have anticipated a mere six months ago.

From the middle of last year until early this year, the National Party was leading Labour in the opinion polls, by up to seven percentage points.

The pandemic and the governments responses to it have turned that around, however. Labours polling sky-rocketed above 55 per cent between April and June, during the lockdown. National dropped as low as 26.5 per cent.

Such high polling for Labour is unlikely to last into the election. But public opinion these days is, to say the least, volatile.

FACEBOOK/NZ TAXPAYERS' UNION

Remember Jacinda-mania? The change of leader boosted Labour to 37 per cent at the last election.

So, Stuff and Massey are running another collaborative online survey, similar to those we did in 2017. The first round will be open for you to complete for the week beginning Sunday.

This pre-election survey will give you the opportunity to express your feelings on the present governments performance, on how lockdown has affected you, and on some key political issues.

You get to tell us how things look from your point of view. In return, we will feed back some key survey findings with expert commentary.

This will stimulate pre-electoral dialogue on the real needs, perceptions and aspirations of voters. It will reduce the space available for political point-scoring, misinformation and scandal.

The last election was a roller-coaster ride. In July 2017, Labour looked like it was heading south of 25 per cent support.

The second round of the Stuff/Massey survey ran during the same week in which Jacinda Ardern took over the leadership of Labour from Andrew Little just seven weeks out from the election. Labour supporters piled in to complete the survey.

Supplied

Associate Professor Grant Duncan teaches political theory and New Zealand politics at Massey University.

Many participants commented that they were switching their votes to Labour because of Ardern.

Remember Jacinda-mania? The change of leader boosted Labour to 37 per cent at the election, partly at the expense of the Greens who dropped to 6.3 per cent. Nationals result was 44.4 per cent.

No party had enough seats to form a government, however, and New Zealand First held the balance of power. So, we waited another four weeks while negotiations went on over the formation of a new government.

Looking back, the only thing that political pundits could have predicted was that things would be unpredictable.

And now, Covid-19 has introduced yet another level of unpredictability. It will have a big impact on the election result. But well just have to wait and see what that impact will be.

Elimination of the virus was one major challenge. Recovering from a sudden recession is another.

Two of our most important income-earning industries (tourism and export education) are in dire straits due to border controls.

In May, Budget 2020 predicted unemployment would rise to 9.8 per cent in September just as we go to the polls.

Many voters will be feeling understandably insecure and grumpy on polling day. How much will the government of the day get the blame? Do voters want change or continuity in government?

You can at least look forward to another unpredictable election. And, in the meantime, you can do the Stuff/Massey pre-election survey.

Associate Professor Grant Duncan teaches political theory and New Zealand politics at Massey Universitys Albany campus in Auckland.

Read more:

Politics and the pandemic: have your say on this year's high-stakes election - Stuff.co.nz

The food bowl has been washed, and tucked away safe in a high cabinet.

No one asks you to roll a ball down the hallway anymore. The squeak of soft toys no longer interrupt your TV shows these days; in fact, its too quiet now and you hate it. Even worse, theres a reason why these things are so, and in Lost Companions by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, youll read thoughts on the loss of your pet.

What a miracle it is that we have pets: here we are, different species that feel a deep and ancient longing to be with one another. Such a thing delights Masson, perhaps because hes had animal companions his entire life.

The problem, as all animal lovers know, is that pets dont live as long as people do.

We know, the moment we get a new fluff, that were going to grieve that pet someday; just thinking about it is a grief all on its own. Masson believes that animals are also aware of their mortality, but we cant get inside their minds to know what they think about it and perhaps euthanasia is utilized too hastily.

When a pet dies, we are simply not prepared for this ... we want our beloved companions to live longer. We may be surprised at the depth of the raw emotion we feel; Masson quotes (and marvels at) several people who say they grieved harder at the loss of a pet than they did for a human. We should, therefore, never belittle the grief of others when it comes to pets, which includes when our pets exhibit grief and they do.

Says Masson, You could say grieving makes us human, or you could also say, grieving makes us just another animal.

Its awfully hard to determine the exact point of Lost Companions.

Yes, its about losing a pet, and the emotions you inevitably feel about it. But Masson also delves deeply into the deaths of wildlife, livestock, and humans, which are not at all the only off-topic topics. He also writes particularly gruesomely about dog-meat markets, and he touches upon veganism, and companion versus owner. To continue, the tedious, already-hashed-over subject of whether or not pets love us is brought forth again, and Masson argues strongly against The Final Kindness, saying he cant imagine it, but admitting that hes never witnessed it.

And yet ... (heavy sigh).

If youve ever lost a pet, you know you need to read this book, the on-point of which arrives with fewer than 100 pages to go. You know youve been there, and you might be there again, and that maybe, possibly, theres another way to ease your grief, some way you havent yet encountered. It might be here. It might.

Indeed.

This is a three-tissue book but Masson gives you room: its not a cry-fest until quite a ways in. Keep that in mind, and have your tear-wipes nearby: if youve recently lost a furry loved one, Lost Companions may bowl you over.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

More here:

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER: Grief, the loss of pets discussed in 'Lost Companions' - Goshen News

When I rescued my cat, Hazel, she was 9 months old and had been at the Humane Society for six months. After being returned by a family due to biting behavior, Hazel had been left in the back room without being rotated into the adoption population for weeks. She was in a desperate situation, and at risk of euthanasia due to overcrowding. Hazel's time at the shelter was running out, and she needed to find a forever home. When I first saw her, my heart melted. She looked like a miniature tiger, and acted like one, too. I was so happy to take her home, and I knew we would have many adventures together. Hazel has taught me so much about life. Here are four of those lessons.

Hazel has undergone a remarkable transformation during our years together. She is the most feisty, loyal, and complicated cat I've ever known. The rejection she experienced was because of no fault of her own, and required lots of patience and understanding to overcome. I couldn't imagine my world without Hazel, and I'm so thankful to have had her teach me so much about love and life. I only hope I've done the same for her.

Image Source: Rachel Alger

Read more from the original source:

I Adopted a Traumatized "Street Cat," and She's Made My Life Infinitely Better - POPSUGAR

Three orphaned grizzly cubs now on display at the privately-owned Greater Vancouver Zoo represent a disappearing opportunity for survival of a threatened species, says conservationists.

General manager of the zoo, Serge Lussier, said Wednesday, Theres two options for bears so young when the mother dies is euthanasia, or find an approved zoo.

The trio were found by Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers in Crowsnest Pass in April after their mother was killed by hunters.

They were sent for care away from the public at the Calgary Zoo, who ended up passing the responsibility to the Aldergrove zoo.

During that time, 104 signatories many B.C. and Alberta scientists or conservationists wrote a letter to the Alberta government, urging the rehabilitation and release of the cubs back into the wild, given that grizzly bears are a threatened species in Alberta, the letter reads.

More specifically, the age and health of these three cubs make them ideal candidates for the only grizzly cub rehabilitation program in North America, namely the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in Smithers, B.C.

The Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources sent an email statement to the Star, confirming the Smithers rehabilitation program was ruled out because it is a pilot, and not considered operational.

Formal best management practices for the facility are in the process of being developed. These are critical to standardize facility construction, humane care and handling and proof of concept, the statement continued.

Co-founder of the shelter, rehabilitationist Angelika Langen, has successfully released 22 bears into the wild during the 13 years the program has been in operation.

Everyone says we are still in a pilot project and they are awaiting results, yet they dont give us the cubs to prove it, she remarked.

Of the three six-month-old grizzly cubs at Greater Vancouver Zoo two of them are female.

Our efforts to prove long-term [grizzly bear] survival and re-integration into the wild population would have made a big step forward with the females, said Langen, noting their reproduction capabilities.

READ MORE: Red Panda dies at Greater Vancouver Zoo

As it stands, in Alberta there are only 700 surviving grizzly bears, according to the Alberta Wilderness Association. This, compared to 15,000 most recently recorded in B.C. by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Of 25 cubs government approved for the Northern Lights Wildlife project, only three were female, Langen emphasized.

B.C. bear researcher/biologist and letter signatory, Wayne McCrory, said the zoos one-acre enclosure is not nearly large enough to house the cubs for the rest of their lives.

B.C. conservationist, Barb Murray, director of Bears Matter, corroborated McCrorys concerns about enclosure space for the cubs, them being fed dog food, and kept in captivity.

The cubs will outgrow that one acre so quickly, Murray said, also addressing claims made by the zoo that the cubs are not suitable for re-entry to the wild since they are human imprinted.

Until we have a definitive answer from a bear expert it is a question mark we just cant answer. Let them be assessed now before their fate is sealed, Murray responded.

READ MORE: Greater Vancouver Zoo animals suffer boredom and frustration, humane society says

Murray and McCory along with other signatories of the letter are in a race against time to have a bearrehabilitation expert examine the Greater Vancouver Zoos newest cubs and see if they are still candidates for the Smithersprogram.

We are prepared to pay the expert to fly in, Murray said. Six months isnt that old, only bear experts will know if the cubs are still viable for rehabilitation.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo, in Aldergrove, has previously been criticized for how it cares for its animals, particularly large species which have died in its care.

Lussier, the zoos general manager, insisted: We have the habitats, we have the experts, and were so proud to be a part of this.

READ MORE: Giraffes death shocks Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove

AldergroveConservation

Link:

Conservationists raise concerns over state of care for grizzly cubs transferred to B.C. zoo - Haida Gwaii Observer

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How did you become the editor of THINK?

Dr. Stephen Law: The Royal Institute of Philosophy decided it wanted a journal that would be aimed at laypeople some time ago and advertised for an editor. I was appointed. There were early difficulties, though Cambridge University Press didnt want to publish it (they publish the RIPs other journal Philosophy) and so it looked like it might have to be online only but thenThe Philosophers Magazine very kindly offered to publish it, which they did, very successfully. Some wanted to call it a journal; for schools which would have been the kiss of death, I think. I asked Simon Blackburn if hed mind us using THINK as the title (he has a book of that name) and he agreed so we went with that. The Strapline is Philosophy for Everyone.

Jacobsen: You are searching for philosophers with an emphasis on women philosophers. Why the search for women philosophers in particular?

Law:Unfortunately we dont get nearly enough unsolicited submissions from women to achieve a decent gender balance. So I specifically approach women philosophers. This has had some effect, but still not enough so I am really pushing very hard on trying to achieve a healthy gender balance now. Theres a forthcoming themed issue on women and philosophy too.

Jacobsen: How will these submitted pieces be used by RS teachers and students?

Law:The idea is that they will be useful resources helping teachers of RS better understand the material;, and they will be accessible enough to be read by pupils. However, I want to stress that these are all fascinating topics anyway, and will be of interest to a lot of people. I recently put together a themed issue on naturalism and theism which, while of interest to schools, has proved extremely popular with all sorts of people theists, philosophers, skeptics, etc.

Jacobsen: You have proposed a number of possible topics including the application of virtue ethics to embryo research and designer babies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, capital punishment, lying, theft, use of animals as food and intensive farming, xenotransplantation, vivisection, and blood sports, and more. If any, what are the guiding themes behind the topics?

Law:In that case, the RS syllabi. However, theyre also fun topics. I am really looking forward to reading the pieces.

Jacobsen: Have any of these topics been particularly overdone or underdone?

Law:I dont think so.

Jacobsen: How can people submit pieces or submit proposals for consideration of articles?

Law:They just email them to me:[emailprotected]

Jacobsen: What are you hoping will be the big takeaway from this issue ofTHINK?

Law:Well, these pieces wont all be in the same issue I will spread them out. But I think they will help make it clear how relevant philosophy is to a lot of practical questions about our treatment of animals, assisted suicide, etc.

Photo by Tachina Lee on Unsplash

Assistant Editor, News Intervention,Human Rights Activist.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen is the Founder of In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal and In-Sight Publishing. He focuses on North America for News Intervention. Jacobsen works for science and human rights, especially womens and childrens rights. He considers the modern scientific and technological world the foundation for the provision of the basics of human life throughout the world and advancement of human rights as the universal movement among peoples everywhere. You can contact Scott via email.

Read more:

THINK - A Call for Philosophers with Dr. Stephen Law - News Intervention

Three orphaned grizzly cubs now on display at the privately-owned Greater Vancouver Zoo represent a disappearing opportunity for survival of a threatened species, says conservationists.

General manager of the zoo, Serge Lussier, said Wednesday, Theres two options for bears so young when the mother dies is euthanasia, or find an approved zoo.

The trio were found by Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers in Crowsnest Pass in April after their mother was killed by hunters.

They were sent for care at the Calgary Zoo, who ended up passing the responsibility to the Aldergrove zoo.

During that time, 104 signatories many B.C. and Alberta scientists or conservationists wrote a letter to the Alberta government, urging the rehabilitation and release of the cubs back into the wild, given that grizzly bears are a threatened species in Alberta, the letter reads.

More specifically, the age and health of these three cubs make them ideal candidates for the only grizzly cub rehabilitation program in North America, namely the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in Smithers, B.C.

The Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources sent an email statement to the Star, confirming the Smithers rehabilitation program was ruled out because it is a pilot, and not considered operational.

Formal best management practices for the facility are in the process of being developed. These are critical to standardize facility construction, humane care and handling and proof of concept, the statement continued.

Co-founder of the shelter, rehabilitationist Angelika Langen, has successfully released 22 bears into the wild during the 13 years the program has been in operation.

Everyone says we are still in a pilot project and they are awaiting results, yet they dont give us the cubs to prove it, she remarked.

Of the three six-month-old grizzly cubs at Greater Vancouver Zoo two of them are female.

Our efforts to prove long-term [grizzly bear] survival and re-integration into the wild population would have made a big step forward with the females, said Langen, noting their reproduction capabilities.

READ MORE: Red Panda dies at Greater Vancouver Zoo

As it stands, in Alberta there are only 700 surviving grizzly bears, according to the Alberta Wilderness Association. This, compared to 15,000 most recently recorded in B.C. by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Of 25 cubs government approved for the Northern Lights Wildlife project, only three were female, Langen emphasized.

Alberta conservation biologist and letter signatory, Lisa Dahlseide, said the zoos one-acre enclosure is not nearly large enough to house the cubs for the rest of their lives.

B.C. conservationist, Barb Murray, director of Bears Matter, corroborated Dahlseides concerns about enclosure space for the cubs, them being fed dog food, and kept in captivity.

The cubs will outgrow that one acre so quickly, Murray said, also addressing claims made by the zoo that the cubs are not suitable for re-entry to the wild since they are human imprinted.

READ MORE: Greater Vancouver Zoo animals suffer boredom and frustration, humane society says

Murray along with other signatories of the letter in a race against time to have a bear biologist or rehabilitationist examine the Greater Vancouver Zoos newest cubs and see if they are still candidates for the Smithers rehabilitation program.

We are prepared to pay the expert to fly in, Murray said. Six months isnt that old, only bear experts will know if the cubs are still viable for rehabilitation.

Until we have a definitive answer from a bear expert it is a question mark we just cant answer. Let them be assessed now before their fate is sealed, shes pleading.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo, in Aldergrove, has previously been criticized for how it cares for its animals, particularly large species which have died in its care.

Lussier, the zoos general manager, insisted: We have the habitats, we have the experts, and were so proud to be a part of this.

READ MORE: Giraffes death shocks Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove

AldergroveConservation

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Conservationists raise concerns over state of care for grizzly cubs transferred to BC zoo - Maple Ridge News

postedJuly 13, 2020 at 12:00 amby Jude Acidre "Democracy is not about us being right, and others being wrong."When I was younger and none the wiser, I used to simplistically draw an imaginary line separating two types of people in the political sphere: the allies and the antis. In my mind, the line that divided my black-and-white view where there are only winners and losers was definite and sacrosanct. In fact, for me, it was unthinkable, even reprehensible, to think of crossing that line.For example, I was and still am a staunch believer in a consistent ethic of life. My personal and political stand on divorce, marriage, euthanasia, and abortion all reflect an underlying conviction that all life is sacred and marriage is an inviolable social institution. Not only was I strongly against the Reproductive Health Act, I actually believed it was impossible for me to work with people who believed otherwise so much so that I declined an opportunity to be a youth advisor to an UN agency working on adolescent reproductive health. For me, it was a matter of personal integrity, strongly believing that I was right, and shamelessly concluding that those who disagreed with me were wrong.Late last year, however, I started to work closely with non-government organizations whose advocacies on reproductive health issues ran counter to my own personal convictions. While it was difficult at first for me to put off my own biases, I was candid enough to respectfully ask them that we focus on issues that we agree on, and just leave to the side those on which we differed. Turned out, there were more issues that we were in agreement, much more than what we disagreed about, allowing me to discover a newfound respect for people that I would have once labelled as antis those from the other side.Recent events in our country have reinforced this imaginary wall that divide our people into allies and antis and the rhetoric between them is divisive, sharp, and cruel. So we ended up with the Duterte supporters and the anti-Duterte Yellows, those who supported the recently passed Anti-Terrorism Act and those who rejected it as an affront to our freedoms and liberties and just last week, those who are in favor of the renewal of ABS-CBNs franchise and those who support denying another lease on the media giants broadcast rights.Each side believes itself to be right, and the other to be absolutely wrong, recklessly simplifying politics to a question of picking sides. Common sense and reason are among the first casualties, resulting in both sides stubborn inability to compromise and to resist trying to discredit the other.Take for example the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Those who disagreed with the measure believe that is a threat to our rights and freedom, notwithstanding the fact that the law itself is a product of our countrys constitutional process. In fact, the lower House simply adopted a version of the bill that already had broad support from the Senate, including from members of the opposition.Paradoxically, democracy as we ideally believe it to be is far from how imperfect it has become as a way to govern society and believing that for one political side to succeed, the other side has to fail is actually like pushing the system to its breaking point. If we were to persistently divide society into allies and antis, leaving no forgiveness for moderation and compromise, democracy itself is in danger of collapse, and a darker intolerant extremism may take its place. The truth about people is that if five persons will at times find it difficult to agree on what to order for dinner it will be impossible to get a nation of one hundred million to agree on abortion, divorce, death penalty and even on timely issues such as the anti-terrorism measure and the renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise.This see-saw view of our society is exactly what has dragged our nations path to progress, when for every step forward, we had to push back one step, taking away collaboration and compromise out of the question, and replacing it with one complicated gridlock after gridlock. In the end, our democratic idealism begin to serve no longer the people but our own individual biases and ideological tendencies.It would be best to be reminded that democracy is not about us being right, and others being wrong. In fact, a government of laws, rather than of men mean that our political institutions such as Congress are larger than those who for a time carry the burden, or enjoy the comforts of political office. That is why as citizens, it is our duty that no matter what, we must hold these institutions in trust, that instead of simply unfairly criticizing politicians for their political decisions, we must work to preserve and strengthen these institutions so that despite the imperfections of todays leaders, the next generation will know how to choose better. Too often do we forget that our political institutions will outlive our politicians and that we cannot allow the worst of times to take away the better of us and those who will come after us.This brings us to the second point, that our political leaders, despite our lofty democratic ideals, are human beings who fail, make mistakes and at times fall short of their own better nature. Their mistakes, however, are theirs alone, and we should not confuse or impute their failings with the government office that they hold. There is no one among us who has not failed at something in his or her own life, or at one point tread the wrong path. While there are and there must be consequences for ones political decisions, it is unfair to measure a politicians worthiness by simply marking out their failings. More so, should we remember that we cannot appraise the usefulness of our political institutions with the performance of people in politics. Our institutions will survive, as elections will periodically afford us with the chance to make a wiser choice moving forward.Reflecting on recent events on our country, it is good to be reminded that as a society, we are not doomed simply by the actions of one or even a few individuals but by the incalcitrant refusal to believe in the capability of others to be good and to do better. Blindly asserting that others have failed, our politicians included, will not make us any stronger. Our political institutions are weakened not by the flawed individuals that inhabit them, but by our corrupted insistence to see things other than what suits us. Our democratic way of life is not served by insisting on a hegemony of ideas but in our ability to respect diversity of beliefs and opinions.Needless to say, conflict and disagreements in politics are unavoidable. If we could simply wish them away, we wouldnt need politics at all. Limiting our political society to where I win and you lose blind us from the real solutions that our differing perspectives require, and these even turn our anger and conflict into another problem. Consequently, instead of condemning political excesses, our collective rage will continue to fuel them and in the process, destroy us.In the end, politics is no different from the mundane realities of human relationships. People can reasonably disagree and they often do. Oftentimes these disagreements do not necessarily have to end with a conclusion that one is right, and the other is wrong but they can provide us with the opportunity to process our own preferences and perceptions, as a result, generating even better solutions to the problems ahead of us. Sadly, what we see on television, hear on radio and read online is that the message is lost through all attacks on the messenger. But when both sides begin to blame, criticize and ridicule the other, when they begin to lie and use half-truths and fake news to push their agenda, the end becomes nothing less than mutually assured destruction.Mistakes are not corrected if assigning blame is the only action you take. It may sound nave, but disagreements should be an opportunity for us to listen and to ask ourselves to be more honest not only about the wrong that needs correcting but more importantly about the right-left undone and the lessons that we may have learned. Having competing views of the same issues have helped shape democracy in the past, and the more respectful we are of divergent perspectives, as well as, differing decisions by our leaders, the closer we are towards becoming a more democratically inclusive society.

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Allies and antis - manilastandard.net

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We have known for a long time that those who describe themselves as pro-choice when it comes to abortion are in fact deeply anti-choice. While they wax lyrical about the right to choose, they do nothing to provide support for those women who want to keep their baby, either during or after pregnancy.

If they were authentically and consistently pro-choice, then the same people men and women who hold placards at pro-abortion rallies would also be volunteering for pregnancy counselling services or donating to providers of the same, but it doesnt routinely happen, if at all.

Similarly, the MPs who last year stood up in NSW Parliament and claimed that their pro-abortion vote was about a womans right to choose should be just as vocal and heartfelt in their pleas for the provision of services for families. But there has been no evidence of that.

The irony of the self-proclaimed pro-choicers is that they are thoroughly anti-choice.

This is true at the start of life and it is also true at the end of life.

Those who push for euthanasia and assisted suicide to be made legal describe their campaign as being one about end-of-life choices, but they also are completely disinterested in advocating for, or providing choice to, those who are nearing the end of life.

Instead, and just like the abortion advocates, they frame their campaign in terms of choice to make it more palatable to the public and the politicians.

In particular, those who argue for assisted suicide and euthanasia will say that its legalisation is not about diminishing the quality of or access to palliative care. Instead, they argue, it is an option for people for whom palliative care does not work, and who would be left to die in agony.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Australia has some of the highest quality palliative care in the world, and those who offer it say that for the two per cent of patients for whom it does not work, palliative sedation is offered so that they are not in any pain or distress as they reach the end of their lives.

All they really need is the resources to educate more doctors and patients about it, and to ensure it is affordable for everyone.

But euthanasia and assisted suicide advocates are not interested in that type of choice.

Remember that when Victoria conducted its inquiry into end-of-life choices, 30 of the 49 recommendations that the committee made related to the improvement of palliative care, and only one had to do with the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Palliative Care Victoria requested an additional $65 million in annual funding in order to meet the requirements, but they were given nothing.

The government instead put all its attention on pushing euthanasia laws through parliament, and it wasnt till after they were accepted that palliative care funding was considered.

Even then, the amount given was minimal. At a commitment of $62 million over a five-year period, the government was offering less than 20 per cent of what Palliative Care Victoria had told them was needed.

And its not like Victorian palliative care services didnt need the help.

Statistics released just last week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that Victoria has been woefully below the national average for Medicare-subsidised palliative care services since the time euthanasia was legalised.

In Australia, an average of 58 people in every 100,000 receive Medicare-subsidised palliative care visits, either in their home or in the hospital.

Despite being one of Australias most populated states, in Victoria, these Medicare-subsidised visits are available to only 41.6 people per 100,000.

This isnt because fewer people are using the same amount of services.

Victoria is also below the national average in relation to the number of services provided.

Around the country, states average 316.4 Medicare -subsidised palliative care visits per 100,000 people; in Victoria, this number is 234.6.

While it might be cynical to suggest that the lethal cocktail provided for assisted suicide is a lot cheaper than providing quality palliative care, it is also true. If Victoria was serious about providing end-of-life choices, then the number of Medicare-subsidised palliative care services it provides to its citizens should be the highest in Australia.

Unfortunately, there is about as much chance of that as there is a pro-abortionist offering pregnancy support.

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Experts back KPMG report on palliative careFederal grant for Sydney palliative expertsMonica Doumit: From bad to worse on euthanasia

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Monica Doumit: The love that's just too much trouble - The Catholic Weekly

Apparently neither Regina Brett (Black Lives Matter. Period, June 12) nor Ben Cohen (Get Your Knee Off Our Necks, June 12) read the Black Lives Matter platform.

The 2016 platform of BLM supports Omar Barghoutis anti-Semitic boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, which declares the Jewish people of Israel perpetrate genocide against Palestinians and Israel is an apartheid state. BLM deleted the anti-Semitism in its enabling document from its website.

Removing something is not revocation. It is just a PR move. Just as the Red Cross was conned by the Nazis in 1944, many Jews today are conned by BLMs PR move.

Barghouti has said the purpose of BDS is the euthanasia of the Zionist dream of Israel. Barghouti knows full well the Nazi T4 Euthanasia Program was the foundation of the Final Solution. Barghoutis use of the word euthanasia leaves no doubt he co-founded BDS to continue the anti-Semitic eliminationist mission formalized by Reinhard Heydrich and Adolf Eichmann at the Wannsee Conference.

A Jew can certainly rally for civil rights without getting in bed with the foundational anti-Semitism of BLM. It is worth remembering a 2002 op-ed by Congressman John Lewis in the San Francisco Chronicle. Lewis recalled the prescient words of Martin Luther King Jr: When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews; youre talking anti-Semitism.

Not many years ago, prominent Jews made excuses for anti-Semites. It was called the Judenrat. We all know how that worked out.

Richard Sherman

Margate, Fla.

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Look further into BLM history | Letters to the Editor - Cleveland Jewish News

Animal Friends of the Valleys has a contract with the Southwest Communities Financing Authority for animal services in unincorporated southwest Riverside County and five incorporated cities. The county Board of Supervisors approved a renewal of that contract Tuesday, June 30.

The supervisors 5-0 vote gives Animal Friends of the Valleys a contract which took effect July 1 and will run through June 30, 2025. The previous agreement, which was approved in June 2015, covered the period from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2020.

A November 2004 board of supervisors action approved the Southwest Communities Financing Authority which involves the cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta and Temecula as well as the county for the unincorporated portions of southwest Riverside County. An October 2010 amendment added the city of Wildomar to the joint powers authority. The Southwest Communities Financing Authority was created for the purpose of financing and constructing an animal shelter in southwest Riverside County.

Animal Friends of the Valleys is a nonprofit organization which was called Lake Elsinore Animal Friends when it was founded in 1987 and changed its name in 2000 to reflect the additional communities served. In January 2006, a memorandum of understanding was approved in which Animal Friends of the Valleys would assist the Southwest Communities Financing Authority with the development and construction of the animal shelter and would operate the shelter following the completion of the construction. Animal Friends of the Valleys leased land in Wildomar from the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. Construction on the 32,000-square-foot shelter began in 2008, and the shelter opened to the public in October 2010. The initial five-year operational agreement between the Southwest Communities Financing Authority and Animal Friends of the Valleys was approved in August 2010.

The duties to be performed by Animal Friends of the Valleys include custody of impounded or surrendered animals, identifying impounded animals with no owner contact including the posting of photographs on the shelter website by the following business day, conducting searches for guardians if information is available, treatment including temporarily transferring animals to another treatment center if the shelters treatment facilities are not sufficient, adoption, counseling and advising guardians who take an animal from the shelter, selling dog licenses for any dog at least four months old who is being transferred to a guardian and euthanasia and animal disposal if necessary. Animal Friends of the Valleys will also keep records of impoundments or surrenders including impoundments by municipal jurisdiction, immunizations, spaying and neutering, adoptions, returns to guardians and euthanasia including the reason.

Joe Naiman can be reached by email at jnaiman@reedermedia.com.

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County renews animal services agreement with Animal Friends of the Valleys - Valley News

WITH Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk riding high in the popularity stakes, there's a strong belief - particularly in Labor circles - she is home and hosed at the October 31 poll.

It's a conclusion easily reached, because the perception is that the Premier has handled the coronavirus crisis well, protecting most Queenslanders from its deadly ravages.

But the jury is out on how voters will judge Labor's cautious approach to the economic recovery, after Ms Palaszczuk resisted attempts for weeks to open the borders, despite advice from Canberra that it was safe.

Ms Palaszczuk's likability and her "steady as she goes'' approach will stand Labor in good stead, although integrity scandals, high youth crime, poor economic performance - even before COVID-19 - and a child safety crisis will not help.

Before Labor strategists get too carried away and start stockpiling the Moet for the celebratory drinks on poll night, there are a couple of factors to consider before October 31.

Those closest to God go to church - and like those who fish, they vote.

Many were not happy when they saw thousands of people marching in the streets with no repercussions and they were stopped from going to Sunday Mass.

They are also upset with the Government's pro-abortion laws and the fact Labor has not ruled out voluntary assisted dying reforms, better known as euthanasia.

If you think the Christian vote doesn't influence the outcome of elections, take a look at the federal Brisbane seat of Longman.

Few people gave the Coalition any hope of winning the Brisbane seat of Longman at last year's federal poll.

Ten months before the May 2019 federal poll, the Labor Party had won the Longman by-election after incumbent Susan Lamb became embroiled in the so-called parliamentary eligibility crisis.

Lamb retained the seat after LNP candidate Trevor Ruthenberg was outed for claiming to have been the recipient of the Australian Service Medal, a distinction higher than what he had actually received, the Australian Defence Medal.

"If I screwed up then I screwed up and all I can do is apologise,'' he told The Courier-Mail's Steven Wardill, who broke the story.

And while the medal controversy did the LNP candidate no favours, there were other factors at play.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday. Picture: Attila Csaszar

The Longman by-election was a major test for then Labor leader Bill Shorten.

As such, the Labor Party threw everything at the election, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on campaigning and advertising.

Had Labor lost, Shorten would have had to walk the plank.

Far-left agitators Get Up! doorknocked the electorate and honed in on a controversial healthcare policy of the then Turnbull government.

But there was another factor that is often underestimated in the Longman by-election post-mortem.

It was the Christian vote, more specifically the Catholic vote.

At the time, the Turnbull government was being attacked by the Catholic Church for its independent schools funding policy, which they said threatened the viability of their educational offerings.

On that Super Saturday of by-elections, Catholic and Anglican priests told parishioners to vote for any party other than the Coalition.

They did - in droves.

Mr Turnbull changed that education funding anomaly and after being dumped as leader, it was Prime Minister Scott Morrison who reaped the benefits of the Catholics returning to the conservative fold.

With Shorten's politics of envy, a terrible, complacent Labor campaign and Morrison fighting for his political life, the LNP's Terry Young won Longman at the general election. Labor strategists had put Longman in the column that said "certain win''. The arrogance and hubris that was the hallmark of the 2019 campaign had not factored in the Longman peculiarities.

The lesson from Longman was clear: Don't underestimate the Christian vote, because it votes as a bloc.

On October 31, they'll be voting for the LNP.

The pro-life movement - Cherish Life - is about to let Queensland voters know about Labor's strong pro-abortion stance.

It has drawn up a hit list of 14 Labor seats - and one held by the Greens - which they say are vulnerable on October 31.

They include Townsville, Whitsunday, Gaven, Mundingburra, Mansfield, Maiwar, Barron River, Redlands, Keppel, Cairns, Springwood, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers, Mount Ommaney and Thuringowa.

All seats are held by margins of up to 5 per cent.

Cherish Life will also mount campaigns to retain five LNP seats that it sees as crucial to an LNP win.

Cherish Life says, based on number-crunching from previous elections, it can influence a seat by anything up to 3.5 per cent.

It says many swinging voters are appalled that the new pro-abortion legislation, passed in State Parliament in 2018, allows babies to be aborted with the approval of two doctors right up to birth, or full term.

Women do not need any medical approval up to 22 weeks to have an abortion.

The Australian Family Association has opposed so-called voluntary-assisted-dying reforms.

It has written to a state parliamentary inquiry on aged care, end-of-life and palliative care and voluntary assisted dying suggesting funding for palliative care be substantially increased "so that all terminally ill patients can receive the end-of-life care to which they are entitled''.

Under current law, doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia are criminal offences in Queensland.

It would be safe to assume that anybody who opposes abortion and euthanasia in Queensland will not vote Labor.

There is no doubt that billionaire Clive Palmer's advertising blitzkrieg against Bill Shorten hurt Labor at the last federal election.

He spent $68 million to unsuccessfully elect Palmer United Party people, but in real terms what he did was amplify and reaffirm the notion that Shorten was dodgy - he says one thing in St Kilda and another thing in Clermont. Palmer is gearing up for a similar campaign against Ms Palaszczuk.

After all, current LNP president Dave Hutchinson is controversially close to Palmer - some say too close.

Then there's One Nation and the Katter Party, formidable forces, particularly in the regions. Their preferences will help the conservatives and if there's a hung parliament, expect Katter and Hanson to side with the LNP to form government.

This contest is far from over. It will go the full distance. Expect a split decision by the judges.

Cherish Life protesters rally outside Brisbanes Parliament House in 2018 to protest the late-term abortion Bill.

Originally published as Life-and-death issues that could cost Premier election

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Life-and-death issues that could cost Premier election - Whitsunday Times

Long story short, a woman who had suffered several painful, chronic illnesses for much of her adult life decided to go to Switzerland to legally kill herself. She shared the journey with her friend, the reporter Ryan Prior.

The story was touching. Painful. The kind of piece that draws in the compassionate reader. The subject was presented as courageous in choosing her own death, unnecessarily suffering from the long journey to Switzerland: For her, the gentle, peaceful death she prayed for was simply unlawful in Tennessee.

As I am reading the piece, my first thought is that I sympathize with this woman. I feel for her. I pray for her. But my second thought is, why didnt she simply take a bottle of aspirin at home in Tennessee? The legal consequences would not have concerned her. Or, had she waited longer, would she not have had that gentle, peaceful death at home?The answer is, of course, political. She used her death as a tool, and the reporter used her story. This is not unbiased journalism.

This is an example, a very sad one, of how political persuasion works. Unwary, compassionate readers will be drawn in by the story. Although they may be ideologically opposed to euthanasia, the pathos of the situation will make them question their beliefs why is it so wrong? Why should this woman suffer unnecessarily, when she is already so near death?

Then, if this becomes a trendy issue, they will be constantly pummeled by such stories, until they cannot remember why they believe euthanasia is wrong. Moral voices will not speak loudly enough to cut through the secular clamor. Weve seen it all before: Love is love. Why shouldnt they be allowed to marry? Its a womans own body. Why shouldnt she be allowed to choose?

The article also contained the usual linchpin a quote from a celebrated religious figure, in this case the South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu giving unexpected approval, and there you have it. The convictions of people who once objected on moral grounds will slowly begin to erode, as the numbers of faithful erode, and the tides of public opinion will turn. Soon it will be just another platform issue, a regular on the dropdown list on candidates websites.

Why should we stand fast against this? As Catholics, we believe in the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death. We believe in heeding Gods commandments, as in the fifth: Thou shalt not kill. We believe in the wisdom of Pope Francis when he calls euthanasia false compassion and tells medical professionals to reject the temptation of assisted suicide.

But times are changing, and holding onto our beliefs will become more difficult. The views of a growing number of atheists and nones will override traditional Christian views, as they have already in left-leaning politics and popular culture, and progressive-minded Catholics will continue to find themselves ignored or, ultimately, politically homeless.

The greatest challenge is, perhaps, that atheists and agnostics dont have any moral reason to object to assisted suicide. If there is nothing after this life, and no greater moral authority to whom we answer, why shouldnt we terminate life when it becomes too uncomfortable? After all, weve been doing it for decades via abortion.

One reason is the slippery slope of government. Canada has permitted MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) only since 2016 but already hospices who dont provide euthanasia services are losing their funding (as many have noted, euthanasia and hospice are not compatible, and hospice is far more expensive), and here are a couple of chilling sentences, couched in detached medical language, from the abstract of a 2018 paper on euthanizing children: We propose that an opportunity exists for MAID-providing institutions to reduce social stigma surrounding this practice, but not without potentially serious consequences for practitioners and institutions themselves. Thus, this paper is intended as a road map through the still-emerging legal and ethical landscape of paediatric MAID. (DeMichelis, Zlotnik Shaul, Rapoport, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30242079/)

I thought of how to respond to my family members Facebook post. Ultimately I decided social media wasnt the proper place to do it. Ill speak to her about it instead.

I will say that once human dignity is lost the moment a culture fails to value life it is that moment that police officers who have vowed to protect their community will become criminals complicit in murder; gang members will indiscriminately kill each other, innocent passers-by and children; genocide will be perpetrated against unwanted populations; rioters will bring death and destruction even as they protest injustice; and even the most educated and respected among us will rationally and dispassionately (and self-interestedly) discuss how to end the lives of children who, as doctors know from their training, cannot possibly have the mental development to consent to their own deaths.

Nothing about our fellow human beings not their race or infirmity or disability, gender, nationality, religion, age, lack of self-sufficiency, criminal history or any other facet of human identity must shake our firm belief in the sacredness of life. We must speak life and uphold life, even when our voices are drowned out, because that is what God has commanded us to do.

Originally posted here:

The dignity of life - Catholic Herald

By Tanner Jensen | June 25th, 2020

For many contemplating end-of-life planning and the later stages of dementia and other cognitive disorders, euthanasia and assisted suicide remain contentious issues. While the right to die or death with dignity for Alzheimers and other neurodegenerative conditions is largely inaccessible in the United States, new developments in Switzerland and the Netherlands offer options for those committed to the idea.

Being Patient spoke with Kelly Bone about her early-onset Alzheimers diagnosis and her fight for the right to death with dignity.

Being Patient: Why is the Death with Dignity issue so important to you right now?

Kelly Bone: The reason its important to me is because I saw what my mother went through. She was diagnosed at 58 years old and ended up passing away from Alzheimers, and her death I felt was a very long and harrowing experience that I personally would not want to go through. I didnt feel like it really allowed her to die with much dignity, even though she was in hospice. So, Ive just decided that if theres a way that I could possibly do it in a dignified forum, where I could go to another country or ideally to the United States, at the point in my life where my quality of life has diminished, I would like the opportunity to do so.

Being Patient: Since your mom had Alzheimers, do you have a familial link?

Kelly Bone: Yes, my mom had Alzheimers and my uncle had dementia, I had another great uncle who had dementia, my grandmother also, and then I have several great aunts and uncles who had it as well. So, it definitely does run in our family. I was very, very close to my mom, and my mom and I are almost like doppelgangers, you know Im exactly like her.

We both had quite a bit of medical problems as well, so as we were going through it with her, I thought, You know what, theres a good chance Im going to have it. So when I had genetic testing done and saw that I have the ApoE4 gene, I decided to pursue it and have further testing done.

Being Patient: A lot of people are really uncomfortable talking about this Alzheimers and end-of-life planning, people are either really for it or really against it. Tell us a little about your feelings on the topic.

Kelly Bone: I agree with you, I think its a very uncomfortable topic for people to talk about. When I talk about it with my friends and my family and stuff like that, a lot of them shy away from it, and some people just tell me, I dont agree with it because of religious reasons. And I understand that. But for me its important because I have seen my mom and some other people that I know go through it.

For example, my mom lived in assisted living, and I ended up moving in and lived there for a while with her. So I saw firsthand what it was like to live in a memory care unit, I lived there full time for a while, and its not something I want to go through. I dont feel that the people there have death with dignity. It was a beautiful facility that she was at, it had nothing to do with the facility. Its just, not the way that I would like to go. And so, Ive looked at different options.

Im kind of going down a dual path right now if you will, where one of the things that Im looking at is donating my brain to the Florida brain bank. Im going on Monday to talk with the funeral home about how to do that, because I have to sign the paperwork while Im healthy and all that, and I have to get all this testing done. So Im looking at all that because theres a chance that Im not going to be able to do this in a dignified fashion, and Im not the type of person whos going to commit suicide. Thats not something I believe in.

Id like to be able to do euthanasia, where I go on my own terms and I do it when my quality of life is diminished. So if Im not able to do that, then Ill go down the other path. So the other thing that Im looking at is assisted living facilities. That would be the worst-case scenario for me would be to go into assisted living, I cannot imagine anything worse for me than to do that.

Being Patient: What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted living?

Kelly Bone: Assisted living would be where once I reach a point in my cognitive decline, my husband would put me into a home that would be a memory care unit for people who have Alzheimers, or dementia, or Parkinsons disease. And I would go and stay there until the end of my life when they would bring in hospice so I could pass away at the home.

And then euthanasia would be where I would make arrangements with potentially another country, like you said the Netherlands, they allow euthanasia. Switzerland also does it, where you can do euthanasia and they do allow people with cognitive disorders. But Switzerland has much more stringent guidelines right now, and they do not allow people with advanced level cognitive disorders to pass away.

Being Patient: You would have to give permission for this to happen while you are still in an earlier stage of the disease, is that correct?

Kelly Bone: Yes, when I talked to the people in Switzerland about doing that, I would have to be able to sign the paperwork now, have my doctor sign off on it, get a second opinion saying that yes I have the Alzheimers diagnosis, we submit the paperwork to Switzerland, and then they would have their doctors verify it. I asked them, Well, when would I do it? Would I do it later on in life? Right now Im at the very beginning of stage three of Alzheimers, and theres seven stages, so personally I feel like I still have quite a bit of quality of life on the table.

However, what they told me was that no, I have to do it in Switzerland while Im still totally cognitive. So that could mean that in the next year or two Id have to go over there and allow them to administer the medication that will allow me to end my life. And that doesnt really make sense for me.

So now, in the Netherlands they just passed a new law saying that they will allow people with advanced dementia to do assisted suicide or euthanasia as well. If you sign something now, and you get your doctors to sign off on it and things like that, they will potentially allow people to do that with advanced dementia. I would just like the opportunity to decide what Id like to do. I dont like the idea that I have to live with it, that I have to go into assisted living or stay at home and just diminish.

Being Patient: What does death with dignity mean, for you?

Kelly Bone: I know this is hard to believe, but Ive had people tell me, even people who are police officers and things like that, you know what, you could always do it by doing this, and they tell me how to commit suicide. They give me suggestions of how to do it and things like that. To me, that is not dying with dignity. Going and doing it somewhere in my house all clandestine, not being able to say goodbye to my husband and leaving him with all that guilt, having him find the body and things like that, that to me is not a good way to go. Its not fair to my family members.

I would like my family members, including my children, to be in on this and support me in the decision. At this point my family does support the decision, they just say, Well, if thats what you want to do, and fortunately for me they were there when they say my mom pass away. They were there seeing her slowly diminish over a period of years. They understand why Im saying the things that I do.

To me, thats the difference. Not leaving the situation where all of my loved ones walk in and Ive taken an overdose of medication and Im lying on the bed, or perhaps I didnt die, or maybe I had a gun or something like that. To me, that is not dignified. Dignified is, I consciously made the decision, discussed it with my family members, Ive discussed it with a doctor thatll be administering it as well as my own doctors.

At some point, Im going to move forward. And hopefully theyre going to support me, and hopefully my family members will be there for me when I do it. From what I understand its a fairly peaceful process, they administer the medication and half an hour later it stops your heart, and to me thats a much more dignified and easy way to go when Ive reached that point and that quality of life.

Being Patient: Do you have any reservations about going through with it?

Kelly Bone: I have cousins who have a lot of reservations about it, and they dont think what Im doing is appropriate. I dont have any reservations about it because Ive been a caregiver for people who have this condition, and I know what they go through. Im a good person, and Ive done a lot of good things for people in this life, and Im doing a lot for the Alzheimers movement in trying to move the ball forward by doing a lot of fundraising and things like that.

I think Gods going to forgive me for this. I dont think God is saying that he wants you to suffer, and I think God is an all-loving God and hes going to have mercy on me if thats the decision that I decide to make.

Edited for clarity

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'I Want to Die with Dignity': Kelly Bone on Death With Dignity - Being Patient - Being Patient

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) July 4th is a time for friends and families to celebrate, but the holiday can be a scary and dangerous time for your furry family members. More pets go missing or get sick around the 4th of July than at any other time of year.

The Haven Adoption Guarantee Shelter for Animals in Fairhope has the following safety tips for you and your pets to keep them happy and safe, whether you celebrate in your backyard with a barbeque, camping, or at the beach.

Make sure that your pet is wearing a collar and tag with legible, up-to-date contact information and, ideally, is also microchipped, for easy identification.

Keep harmful items away from pets. This includes matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, and fireworks used or unused.

Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended. They can be poisonous to pets.

Keep your pet on its normal diet. No party food allowed, as your pet could become very sick. If going elsewhere to a picnic or party, leave your pet securely at home.

Do not let your pet drink pool water or sea water. Both are harmful.

Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent on your pet unless labeled for animals.

Keep pets safe from noise in a quiet, sheltered, escape-proof area in your home.

Loud noises scare animals, so if you are planning to leave your home on July 4th, please keep your pets inside in a comfortable space. If your pet gets lost or you find a lost animal, report it immediately to your animal control agency and visit local shelters often. The Havens Executive Director, Michael Graham, says, Tax-funded animal control shelters have enough stray pets in their care, so preventing just one pet from entering a shelter can save more homeless pets.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure that you and your pets will have a wonderful holiday weekend. The staff and volunteers of The Haven wish you and your loved ones a very happy, safe 4th of July.

Learn more about The Haven and see animals available for adoption at http://www.havenforanimals.org. Adoptions are continuing on an appointment basis.

The Haven is a no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter leading Baldwin County to end the euthanasia of dogs and cats in our animal control shelters. Since 2000, The Haven has continued to work on the no-kill movement, saving over 10,000 orphaned cats and dogs. In addition to the shelter, The Haven has many helpful programs, including emergency pet food assistance, adoptions, veterinary care for their animals, educational programs, and much more. Wonderful dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens are waiting for their forever homes.

As a nonprofit, The Haven has a continuing need for monetary donations, which may be sent to:The Haven, P. O. Box 1063, Fairhope, AL 36533.

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Dont let your pet go missing this July 4th - WKRG News 5

(RNS) It's not difficult to find examples in these dark times of people with cognitive disabilities being discarded. The New York Times recently told the story of patients with dementia being dumped like trash from nursing homes into unregulated boarding houses so the nursing homes could take more lucrative patients with COVID-19. One patient with dementia was found wandering the streets of Los Angeles.

But every so often, if we look hard enough, we find a story in which those with cognitive disabilities get a break.

Many readers will be familiar with the cases of Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard, both British toddlers from working class and deeply religious Christian families. They both had profound cognitive disabilities related to very serious neurodegenerative disease. In both cases, the U.K. medical and legal systems decided the two boys could not benefit from their lives and that life-sustaining oxygen, nutrition and hydration should be withdrawn.

In both cases, however, their parents thought that, since they were in no danger of dying and likely couldn't even feel the treatments they were getting, ending treatment was tantamount to euthanasia. The boys' parents refused to accept the doctors' advice and pointed out that medical professionals in Italy Pope Francis publicly advocated for them to be transferred and the U.S. were both prepared to try experimental therapies. If these attempts didn't work, the organizations abroad would offer the boys a dignified death when their time came.

Both cases caused intense debate, but Alfie and Charlie, subjects of the British crown, were forcibly held against the will of their parents. Their treatment was withdrawn, and they died. Sometimes even getting a break, in the form of international attention to your medical plight, doesn't work.

But another similar story from the U.K. had a very different ending.

Five-year-old Tafida Raqeeb sustained a very serious brain injury such that,according to the National Health Service hospital treating her, she has no awareness and, with no prospect of recovery, life support should be withdrawn.

Charlie Gard, in an undated photo, at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Gard died on July 28, 2017. (Family of Charlie Gard via AP)

Like Alfies and Charlies parents, Tafidas are very religious and they obtained religious ruling from the Islamic council of Europe stating that it would be a great sin and absolutely impermissible to consent to the removal of her life support.Also like Alfies and Charlies parents, they managed to find a cost-free opportunity to travel to Italy for treatment of their child.

They argued in court that the National Health Service was detaining their child unlawfully again, just as Alfies and Charlies parents did. But the judge in Tafidas case sided with her parents and not the National Health Service. Though he was persuaded by medical opinion that Tafidas situation was irreversible and that medical treatment (which included a ventilator) imposed a large burden with virtually no or little benefit, the judge nevertheless respected the fact that Tafida and her family were religious and gave weight specifically to their religious views about the sanctity of human life for its own sake.

Despite the unfortunate fact that a secular court once again took it upon itself to determine a vision of the good for this religious family, the U.K. court's granting of Tafidas freedom was an astonishing and hopeful development.

And there is more good news: Just a few months after being transferred to a childrens hospital in Genoa, Tafida was moved out of intensive care and into a rehabilitation unit. At last update, she was being weaned off her ventilator and can now breathe on her own for an hour at a time. Her Italian doctors said that it is extremely difficult to understand her degree of participation in the environment, and when there is doubt, we must always behave as if participation were greater than what we are able to perceive.

They admit the relationship between neurological damage and future consciousness is murky and are therefore trying to give this little girl time to see if there is potential for improvement. Humbly acknowledging the limitation of medicine in this area, they note that much of that potential improvement is yet to be understood.

Indeed, I wrotean RNS column a few months back explaining how, given the latest therapies and interventions, about 20% of patients deemed to be vegetative can actually regain consciousness. Such improvement would have been thought impossible just a few years ago. We understand so little about consciousness and how the mind works in relation to the brain and the rest of the body. Tafidas doctors in Italy are right to acknowledge their limitations.

It is a terrible tragedy that Alfies and Charlies cases were not decided along the same lines as Tafidas. One German doctor who was willing to treat Alfie put the foundational concern well:

Because of our history in Germany, we've learned that there are some things you just don't do with severely handicapped children. A society must be prepared to look after these severely handicapped children and not decide that life support has to be withdrawn against the will of the parents if there is uncertainty of the feelings of the child, as in this case.

Think the invocation of Nazi Germany is too dramatic? In 2016, Dutch doctor Marinou Arends euthanized a patient with dementia according to her previous medical directive, despite her telling the doctor three different times that now she no longer wanted euthanasia. Arends, ignoring her new request, decided that her suffering was just too much and euthanized her anyway, making her own judgement that it was for the best.

All fellow members of the human family are equal in dignity regardless of their level of ability or contribution to society. In an ableist and consumerist throwaway culture that prefers to locate the value of our lives in our rationality, autonomy and productivity, religious traditions such as Christianity and Islam must continue to witness to their preference for life for the most vulnerable members of the human family who cannot speak up in their own defense.

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A story of light in the darkness for persons with cognitive disabilities - Religion News Service

Sir, Prof Des ONeill (Letters, June 25th) comments on a case in which the Dutch supreme court exonerated a doctor who administered euthanasia to a 74-year-old woman living with dementia (World,< June 23rd).

According to reports of the case, this was in compliance with the womans wishes as previously expressed in a living will but at the time of her death there were indications that she had changed her mind. The court held that the doctor had acted in her patients best interests.

Drawing on this example, Dr ONeill cautions against binding advance healthcare directives, which deny our ever-changing future selves.

The Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015 when fully commenced will provide for advance healthcare directives. The stated purpose is to allow persons to be treated according to their will and preferences and to provide healthcare professionals with information about persons in relation to their treatment choices. An advance healthcare directive will not become applicable while the person still has capacity to give or refuse consent to treatment.

The 2015 Act contains mandatory guiding principles. A person is presumed to retain capacity until the contrary is shown and a person shall not be considered to be unable to make a decision unless all practicable steps have been taken without success to help him or her to do so.

As Prof ONeill writes, we can participate in care decisions to the end, and our communications should be facilitated and respected. These considerations are consistent with advance healthcare directives as provided for under the 2015 Act.

The 2015 Act mandates respect for dignity, bodily integrity, privacy and autonomy. Best interests are not mentioned. For the avoidance of any doubt, the Act expressly states that recognition of advance healthcare directives does not in any way affect the current law prohibiting euthanasia. Yours, etc,

INE FLYNN,

Director,

Decision Support Service,

Mental Health Commission,

Waterloo Road, Dublin 4.

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Health decisions and capacity for choice - The Irish Times

Funding is being made available to help struggling zoos ensure they do not have to carry out unplanned euthanasia of animals due to financial woes caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The announcement comes just days after Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium has said it faces a "battle for survival" - and today announced that it will be reopening its doors to customers from July 6.

Paignton Zoo had previously insisted that the current coronavirus pandemic and lockdown would have to become "much worse" before it would even contemplate the drastic measure of euthanising any of its animals. It has since confirmed that it will officially re-open next month - and has thanked supporters for helping it survive through lockdown.

Last week Newquay Zoo revealed it is in danger of permanent closure and placed all of its staff at risk of redundancy - but has since announced it will be reopening next week. And Dartmoor Zoo has said it will be able to open 'much sooner' than anticipated.

However, marine zoo Living Coasts in Torquay has said it cannot afford to reopen and has now closed permanently due to the coronavirus pandemic and falling visitor numbers - but later said it had found new homes for its animals.

Now, environment minister Rebecca Pow said the Governments 14 million zoos fund will help address avoidable animal suffering in zoos.

Some zoological attractions reopened to the public in England last week but many still face significant financial difficulties.

Tory MP Lee Anderson (Ashfield) raised concerns that struggling zoos might be forced to put to sleep animals to cut costs.

He said: Unfortunately the best chances of survival for some animals is in captivity.

For centuries we have taken away the natural home of animals and we should all accept responsibility.

We owe it to these animals to make sure they survive and continue to be a part of this planet.

So can my honourable friend (Ms Pow) please assure me that Government will do what it can to ensure that not one animal in our zoos and parks is put to sleep due to financial constraints caused by this pandemic?

Ms Pow responded: The objective of the Zoos Support Fund which by the way is open until July 19 is to address avoidable animal suffering in zoos, including in the worst-case of preventing unplanned euthanasia.

My department continues to engage weekly with zoos to keep on top of what is happening.

Earlier, Ms Pow outlined some of the support available to zoos.

She said: The Government has introduced a 14 million zoos fund for licensed zoos in England.

Outdoors areas of zoos and safari parks have already been allowed to reopen subject to social distancing measures being in place, and the indoor areas of zoos and aquariums will be permitted to open from July 4.

An announcement on further support for the zoos is expected imminently.

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Zoos offered aid to avoid unplanned euthanasia of animals - Plymouth Live