The Supreme Court of Canada
Summary:
This case dealt with Canada’s criminal prohibition against physician assisted suicide. The applicants argued that the prohibition against assisted suicide violated their section 7 right to life, liberty, and security of the person, and their section 15 right to equality. ARPA intervened, arguing that a the prohibition on assisted suicide protects the right to life. Sadly, the Court unanimously held that Canada’s criminal prohibition violated section 7’s right to life, liberty, and security of the person. The Court emphasized that its ruling was limited to circumstances like the one presented in the case, which involved a person with a terminal illness who was near death, but politicians and lower court judges have since selectively relied on the Carter decision to dramatically expand euthanasia. ARPA continues its efforts to reverse this expansion by lobbying Parliament to repeal Bill C-7, reinstitute waiting periods, and preclude people with mental illness alone from accessing assisted suicide.
ARPA Canada’s submission in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Articles:
Carter v. Canada: ARPA Canada defends life at the Supreme Court of Canada
