Alberta MLA Bilous Opposes Basic Human Rights
Dear Friends,
In response to our petition in support of Alberta Bill 207, the “Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act", NDP MLA Deron Bilous, who serves as the Official Opposition House Leader, asserts that he is "strongly opposed" to basic human rights for medical professionals - doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc. Mr. Bilous actually believes that healthcare workers should be forced to violate their consciences and become accomplices in medical murder!
I sent him a copy of our petition this morning, which has already been signed by 1,872 concerned citizens. (You can sign and share the petition here: https://www.campaignlifecoalition.com/petition/id/29).
Mr. Bilous' constituency assistant responded on his behalf:
From: Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, 03 December, 2019 11:32 AM
Subject: RE: In Support of Bill 207
Hello David,
Thank you for emailing MLA Deron Bilous’ office. We have been receiving a much larger amount of correspondence than usual because of Budget 2019 and from people concerned with this government’s actions, and we are working to respond to every email.
MLA Bilous is strongly opposed to Bill 207, as are the vast majority of constituents who have contacted us. Contrary to what has been reported, a system is already in place to allow medical professionals to decline to perform services if they are personally opposed to them, so long as they refer their patient to another medical professional who can give them the care they need. While we understand some may not share the same view on the bill, it is not acceptable that a medical professional would be able to deny a referral to services based on their individual beliefs.
Last week Bill 207 failed to pass committee by a vote of 8-2. After hearing from experts with various opinions on the content of the legislation, four UCP MLAs joined the four NDP MLAs in their opposition to this legislation. As a result, the committee has recommended that Bill 207 not move to second reading in the Assembly. MLA Bilous has committed to voting against this bill if it is debated in the Assembly.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to your MLA.
Take care,
Angela Kehler
Constituency Assistant, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview
Office of MLA Deron Bilous, Official Opposition House Leader
After receiving this reply, I then wrote back to Mr. Bilous' office to share my concerns over his outrageous position opposing basic human rights for doctors:
From: David Cooke
Sent: Tuesday, 03 December, 2019 1:19 PM
Subject: RE: In Support of Bill 207
Dear Ms. Kehler,
Thank you for responding to me, and for setting out MLA Bilous’ position on Bill 207.
You mentioned “it is not acceptable that a medical professional would be able to deny a referral to services based on their individual beliefs.”
I am wondering if MLA Bilous is aware that euthanasia (referred to as “Medical Assistance in Dying”) is considered a crime in most countries across the world? Also, it was a crime in Canada prior to 2016 – it was considered “homicide” – murder. Should people be forced to be complicit in murder?
Furthermore, is MLA Bilous aware of the World Medical Association’s position on euthanasia (adopted in 2019), which states, “No physician should be forced to participate in euthanasia or assisted suicide, nor should any physician be obliged to make referral decisions to this end.” (I am attaching their position statement in this e-mail for your consideration.)
Bill 207 is simply affirming the rights of medical professionals under international law and according to universal human rights conventions.
By standing against Bill 207, MLA Bilous is standing with regimes that violate human rights and force citizens to participate in crimes under international law.
It is my hope that you will seriously reconsider your position.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
David Cooke
I eagerly wait to hear back from Mr. Bilous. I want to know if he really supports forcing people to be complicit in murder. I also want to know if he really stands opposed to the policy of the World Medical Association, which still maintains the biblical prohibition against euthanasia.
In the mean time, we need to continue reaching out to all Alberta MLAs, encouraging them to stand up for basic human rights for all Albertans - including those in the medical community. Freedom of conscience and freedom of religion demand that we respect conscientious objectors - especially when those objectors are objecting to murder (via euthanasia and abortion).
Ultimately, our legislators must choose between building our society on the shifting sands of political correctness, or on the rock-solid foundation of Christian principles.
Please email an Alberta MLA and express your support for Bill 207. You can find a list of all MLAs here.
God Bless.
David Cooke
Campaigns Manager
Campaign Life Coalition