EDMONTON --The bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories are calling on Catholics to mobilize and oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide even as the federal government looks to make it easier to qualify for a medically-induced death.
We are absolutely opposed to euthanasia and assisted suicide and we disagree vehemently with its very existence in the country, said Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith.
Naturally, we would be opposed to its expansion. The longer that something is in law, the longer people can think that, because its legal, its also morally permissible. Thats a stance that we cant allow to stand unchallenged.
We have a number of things in our country that might be allowed legally, that doesnt mean that they are morally permitted.
A pastoral letter signed by Smith and the bishops of Calgary, St. Paul, Grouard-McLennan, McKenzie-Fort Smith and the Ukrainian Eparchy of Edmonton, was shared at Masses on the Jan. 18-19 weekend.
The letter calls on all Canadians, and Catholics in particular, to press members of parliament to vote against any expansion of assisted suicide and euthanasia. It also calls on the federal government to expand palliative care and on health professionals to assert their right to refuse to participate in euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Canadians are being asked to weigh in on coming changes to the law as Ottawa seeks to amend the Criminal Code to permit greater access to a medical death. Survey responses are being accepted until Jan. 27. Approximately 200,000 people had responded to the governments online survey as of Jan. 20, according to the justice ministry.
The Liberal governments move to amend the law is in response to a September Quebec court decision that declared parts of the federal and Quebec laws on assisted dying unconstitutional. The court ruled that a requirement limiting assisted suicide to patients facing a reasonably foreseeable death violated their Charter rights.
If no new legislation is passed by March 11, the reasonably foreseeable provision in the law will be suspended in Quebec. But even without that court ruling, the law was facing review this year.
The federal government reports more than 6,700 Canadians have died by a medically-induced death since assisted suicide became legal in 2016.
Current eligibility requirements say candidates must be 18 or older, able to make health decisions for themselves and in grievous and irremediable medical condition to qualify.
The government is seeking input on such questions as whether people should be able to make an advance request for assisted suicide while they are healthy, and if it should be granted to people under 18 years old and people with psychiatric conditions.
The survey itself is disingenuous, says Dr. Thomas Fung, a Catholic physician in Calgary. He noted the survey is steered towards removing the reasonably foreseeable death criteria from the law while not explicitly asking whether Canadians favour removal at all.
It basically was kind of like a foregone conclusion that this was going to happen, Fung said. It really opens the doorway for suicide on demand essentially At some point, human suffering is a subjective experience, so its really hard to objectify who should qualify for MAiD when the near-death criteria is removed.
Smith said the bishops issued their pastoral letter because of a cultural trend that not only normalizes euthanasia and assisted suicide but now favours expansion.
It had always been up until now, a rock-solid conviction that medicine is dedicated to the preservation of life and to doing no harm, he said. Well, now we have medicine being used actually prematurely to end life, which turns the medical profession on its head.
Fung said the conscience rights of physicians who object to participating in the death of patients are also under fire.
Really were seeing discrimination at every level, Fung said.
Despite Canadian Medical Association code of ethics and other provincial association guidelines to protect conscientious objectors, there is really nothing legal that is helping us to advance our case in court. Were losing every time we go to court, and I think were seeing a pattern here.
See the original post:
Bishops call for resistance to expanded assisted suicide - The Catholic Register
- Euthanasia - The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2016]
- Euthanasia suicide mercy-killing right-to-die physician ... [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2016]
- California Euthanasia Laws - FindLaw [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2016]
- Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide & Health Care Decisions Part 1 ... [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2016]
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2016]
- Patients Rights Council [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Assisted Suicide - Information on right-to-die and ... [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2016]
- Euthanasia and assisted suicide - Arguments - NHS Choices [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide - All sides [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - New World Encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia Debate | Debate.org [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2016]
- Action T4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2016]
- Euthanasia in the United States - Wikipedia, the free ... [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Belgium euthanasia: First child dies - CNN.com [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- First child dies by legal euthanasia in Belgium - CBS News [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2016]
- Voluntary euthanasia - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: November 23rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2016]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia [Last Updated On: December 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2016]
- Euthanasia - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2017]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2017]
- Animal euthanasia - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2017]
- Doctor 'asked family to hold down struggling euthanasia victim' - Catholic Herald Online [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Mass euthanasia rumors prompt adoptions en masse at animal control shelter in Georgia - fox6now.com [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Once euthanasia is voluntary, it will become irresistible. Just ask the Dutch - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Doctor who asked dementia patient's family to hold her down while she gave lethal injection cleared - The Independent [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- County animal shelter aggressively working to cut euthanasia rate - ABC15 Arizona [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia drug found in dog food prompts recall - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food over fears it may contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Mary Kills People Promotes Euthanasia - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Oral submission on voluntary euthanasia | Scoop News - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support | Queensland Times - The Queensland Times [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Canadian doctors are struggling with euthanasia - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog food - KATU [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- 220 Dutch doctors take out ad to oppose euthanasia for patients with dementia - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Medical Council strikes out against euthanasia: 'Patients' positions in a state of flux' - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug - Q13 FOX [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2017]
- Conservative leadership hopefuls argue drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- How Did A Euthanasia Drug End Up In Dog Food? | Care2 Causes - Care2.com [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's - National Review [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Susan Dale Austen appears in court facing charges relating to ... - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for euthanasia? - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]