Status: At 2nd reading in the House of Commons
Description: Bill C-41 would stop the pending expansion of euthanasia to mental illness. However, it would introduce a new expansion – euthanasia by advance request. Advance requests grant doctors a license to kill patients who, at some earlier date, signed a written request to be euthanized once they reach a certain state of disability or ill health and can no longer consent.
Analysis: So-called “advance consent” is not informed consent and is really no consent at all. The person is “consenting” to being euthanized under circumstances he has never experienced. Additionally, advance euthanasia requests grant a license to doctors to determine when a person should die by euthanasia. Instead of offering death to those facing loss of capacity, we must respond with appropriate care and support.
Action Items:
- Email your Member of Parliament
- Request a meeting with your Member of Parliament
