Campaign Life Coalition urges Parliament to resolve disappointing Supreme Court decision on Assisted Suicide
Toronto, February 6, 2015 – Campaign Life Coalition strongly condemns today’s Supreme Court decision in Carter v. Attorney General of Canada which strikes down Canada’s ban on physician-assisted suicide and as a result will give in law the right for a doctor or nurse to kill their patients if Parliament does not act to protect vulnerable people within the next year
“Giving people the legal right to kill others in whatever state of life they are in is something Canadians must never support,” said Jim Hughes, President of Campaign Life Coalition. “This decision potentially puts people living with disabilities, the elderly and those who are terminally ill in greater risk of being abused and killed under the umbrella of ‘dying with dignity’. This is not acceptable."
Campaign Life Coalition points to what is happening in Belgium and the Netherlands. What began with tight restrictions for euthanasia and assisted suicide, within a few years has led to the legalization of killing children, people living with disabilities, and people with mental health issues. In some cases, without their consent. The Supreme Court explicitly states in their decision that they do not take these issues in their reasoning.
“Canadians are afraid of dying a painful death, and we understand that, but the solution to suffering is not to be killed, it is proper pain management and proper support from the medical system, family and friends,” said Johanne Brownrigg, Public Affairs, Campaign Life Coalition. “This decision also raises another important concern. What about medical practitioners who have no interest in killing people? What will happen to them if they refuse to assist in suicide or to inject a lethal dose?”
Campaign Life Coalition urges Parliament to invoke the notwithstanding clause contained in Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and/or to enact a law that protects vulnerable Canadians from euthanasia and assisted suicide.
About Campaign Life Coalition
Campaign Life Coalition is a national, non-profit organization involved in political action and advocacy for legal and cultural change in Canada with respect to protecting human life and the family. For more information visit www.campaignlifecoalition.com.
Media Contacts:
Jeff Gunnarson, Campaign Life Coalition, 416-204-9749 ext. 249
Jack Fonseca, Campaign Life Coalition, 416-204-9749 ext. 222
Johanne Brownrigg, Campaign Life Coalition, 613-857-0236
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