Thursday, October 10, 2013

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Applauds Ruling of BC Appeal Court on Assisted Suicide.


Media ReleaseToronto, Thursday October 10, 2013 /CNW/

The BC Court of Appeal has struck down the decision by Justice Smith and upheld the current laws which protect Canadians from euthanasia and assisted suicide.

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) intervened in the BC assisted suicide case in order to uphold the principles of Parliamentary sovereignty and basic human rights. EPC is pleased that the Court has followed the lead of Canadian Parliament, the Supreme Court of Canada, and of the majority of Parliaments and Supreme Courts around the world in finding that the prohibitions against assisted suicide represent an important protection against abuse of vulnerable people.

EPC legal counsel Hugh Scher states:
EPC is concerned about the safety, security and equality of people with disabilities and seniors, which is central to the protections set out under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and our Criminal Code. 
Will Johnston at BC Court.
EPC-BC chair Dr. William Johnston states:
The debate is over whether what the suicidal person proposes – to kill themselves – is a goal which should be shared and facilitated by the state. I suggest there are alternate goals like the treatment of depression and other symptoms, to which the state should apply itself. When someone has lost hope for the future, finds no meaning in their life, and sees only one solution – death – we recognize a suicidal depression. That bleak tunnel vision should evoke suicide prevention, not euthanasia.
Disability rights advocate Amy Hasbrouck of Toujours Vivant - Not Dead Yet states:
People with disabilities, chronic illness and seniors are negatively affected by assisted suicide and euthanasia because it leads to the impression that our lives are lacking in meaning and value as compared to other Canadians.
Alex Schadenberg interview
EPC Executive Director, Alex Schadenberg states:
The evidence is clear that in jurisdictions where these practices have been legalized, there have been significant abuses of vulnerable people. For example, studies in Belgium demonstrate that 32% of people killed under the Belgian law were killed without consent and without their own request, in breach of a fundamental condition of that law. 
Not one of these doctors has been prosecuted.
EPC will seek to intervene should this matter be appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada with a view to protecting the dignity and equality of all Canadians, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the risks of abuse from assisted suicide.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. William Johnston, (Vancouver) EPC-BC Chair: (604) 220-2042 – willjohnston@shaw.ca
Hugh Scher, (Toronto) EPC Legal Counsel: (416) 816-6115 – hugh@sdlaw.ca
Alex Schadenberg, (London) EPC Executive Director: (519) 851-1434 – info@epcc.ca
Amy Hasbrouck, (Montreal) Tourjours Vivant - Not Dead Yet: (450) 921-3057 – info@tv-ndy.ca

5 comments:

  1. Thank God for this decision! No one has the right to play God. Imagine where legalized assisted suicide would lead us - many seniors, disabled and ill would die without consent. The power of prayer is powerful - let us keep praying that this decision remains forever in our country.
    Doreen Merkas

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  2. A good and welcome ruling even though a pause until having to face the SCC unfortunately . Good for EPC, Dr W Johnston and all supporters who intervened .

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  3. With the trend shown by recent polls I was very worried this decision would stand. For the time being the sanctity of life is protected. The fight is not over as new assaults on the vulnerable WILL be launched. We must all stay vigilant in the fight against the death mongers.

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  4. What a good decision. The case for life and all good living, is made strong when we don't allow humans the ability to take away life. It makes us all want to live life to the fullest. Florence Paquette

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  5. I hope the Supreme Court Decision is considered by Québec Members of Provincial Legislature for not accepting Québec proposed Bill 52 to legalize Euthanasia by naming it Help in Dying!
    Paul Biron

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