Supreme Court extends federal government's assisted suicide deadline
The federal government has been given four more months to come up with new laws and regulations to govern the practice of doctor-assisted suicide.
Quebec confirms its first legal death by euthanasia
The first death by legal euthanasia in Canadian history has occurred, according to a Quebec healthcare spokesperson.
Opponents of assisted killing make themselves heard
Widespread opposition to doctor-assisted suicide is beginning to reshape consultations on how Ontario should regulate the practice in the wake of last year’s Supreme Court decision to decriminalize voluntary euthanasia in some circumstances.
Catholics must face facts — euthanasia is here and it’s not going away
If Catholics are going to have any chance of limiting the damage of legal assisted suicide they’re going to have to get beyond outrage and suggest practical solutions, the lone Catholic representative to the Provincial- Territorial Expert Advisory Group On Physician-Assisted Dying told The Catholic Register.
Doctors’ human rights ‘violated’ by proposed new guidelines
TORONTO - The human rights of doctors would be “violated” by proposed guidelines that would require Ontario doctors, even against their conscience, to refer patients for assisted suicide, said the executive director of the Christian Medical and Dental Society.
Provincial assisted-dying panel recommends wide access
In 43 recommendations aimed at provincial and federal legislators, the Provincial-Territorial Expert Advisory Group on Physician-Assisted Dying has recommended the widest possible access to assisted suicide and very narrow exceptions for Catholic health professionals and Catholic hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.
Deception exposed
Finally, a victory for common sense. Justice Michel Pinsonnault of Quebec Superior Court sounded a rare voice of reason when he ruled that Quebec’s so-called “medical aid in dying” legislation is no more than a euphemism for euthanasia. As they say, if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck . . .
Doctors will need to engage patients on their end-of-life decisions
Dr. Bill Sullivan — Catholic bioethicist, researcher and medical doctor — wants to counter demands for assisted suicide with conversation, care and relationships.
Medical aid in dying ‘a catastrophic idea’
MONTREAL - After 30 years in palliative care medicine, Dr. Bernard Lapointe is adamant that regardless of what the law says he will never euthanize a patient. He is among thousands of law-abiding Quebec doctors who are facing some of the most difficult days of their professional careers as the province hurtles towards Dec. 10 and the legalization of euthanasia.
Palliative care home in Quebec to offer assisted suicide under new law
MONTREAL - Quebec's new end-of-life care law will go into effect Dec. 10, and at least one of its 31 palliative care facilities announced that it will be offering medically induced death, or assisted suicide.
Ambitious plan for Liberals as they get down to business
Ottawa - As the new Liberal government pushes ahead with an ambitious plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by Christmas, it is also faces urgent challenges on three other issues important to the Church: climate change, indigenous rights and assisted suicide.
Let it be known: you don’t want to die
Death used to be a simple fact of life. As of the Supreme Court decision on assisted suicide last February, it is becoming a legal process.
Care, not killing
Most of Canada’s incoming parliamentarians were on the campaign trail in September and probably missed the inspiring address Pope Francis gave to U.S. Congress. If so, that’s a shame. His speech was made for America but a perfect fit for Canada.
More time needed to define assisted suicide, conference told
MONTREAL - As Canada moves toward legalized assisted suicide starting in February, Quebec will jump the gun and become the first province to permit doctors to euthanize patients beginning next month.
Health care must maintain ‘life-affirming ethos,’ faith leaders say
OTTAWA - Faith groups from across Canada are calling on Canada’s new government to focus on palliative care instead of euthanasia and assisted suicide.