Belgium style euthanasia

My letter to the editor was printed in the National Post today.

Belgium style euthanasia

Several reports have indicated that the promoters of euthanasia in Quebec are advocating “Belgium style” euthanasia.

A study that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) on June 15, 2010 looked at the practice of euthanasia in Belgium and found it to be lacking in supposed safeguards.

The study examined 208 euthanasia deaths in the region of Flanders Belgium. The study found that 66 (32%) of the euthanasia deaths were done without explicit request or consent. Link to the study: http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/abstract/182/9/895

Before Quebec considers opening the doors to euthanasia or assisted suicide it needs to consider how it will effect the average Quebecer.

In many cases choice is only an illusion.

Alex Schadenberg
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Link to the letter in the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/related/topics/Dealing+with+final+chapter/3515734/story.html