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Executive Director,
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
The first principle for the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is that we oppose killing people. So why is euthanasia by advance request more egregious?
Euthanasia was originally legalized in Canada under the guise of being for mentally competent adults, who are capable of consenting and who freely "choose." Euthanasia by advanced request undermines these principles.
Euthanasia by advance request means that a person, while competent, legally declares their "wish" to be killed, and if the person becomes incompetent, the person would then be killed, even though the person is not capable of consenting. Therefore euthanasia by advance request is euthanasia without consent.
Further to that, once a person becomes incompetent, they are not legally able to change their mind, meaning that some other person will have the right to decide when the person dies, even if that person is living a happy life.
If euthanasia by advance request is approved, the law will discriminate against incompetent people who did not make an advance request. The law will be challenged and it will be argued that the person didn't make the advance request based on timing (the option didn't exist yet) or lack of knowledge that it was possible to make an advance request.
Once killing incompetent people is viewed as "compassionate" it will be considered cruel not to kill an incompetent person who is deemed to be suffering, because the person didn't make an advance request.
The "National conversation" on advance requests for medical assistance in dying will be open until February 14, 2025. The online consultation link is found on the Consultation website below the words - Join in: How to participate (Consultation Link).
Before completing the online consultation, please read the EPC guide to answering the online consultation (Link to the EPC guide).
The first principle for the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is that we oppose killing people. So why is euthanasia by advance request more egregious?
Euthanasia was originally legalized in Canada under the guise of being for mentally competent adults, who are capable of consenting and who freely "choose." Euthanasia by advanced request undermines these principles.
Euthanasia by advance request means that a person, while competent, legally declares their "wish" to be killed, and if the person becomes incompetent, the person would then be killed, even though the person is not capable of consenting. Therefore euthanasia by advance request is euthanasia without consent.
Further to that, once a person becomes incompetent, they are not legally able to change their mind, meaning that some other person will have the right to decide when the person dies, even if that person is living a happy life.
If euthanasia by advance request is approved, the law will discriminate against incompetent people who did not make an advance request. The law will be challenged and it will be argued that the person didn't make the advance request based on timing (the option didn't exist yet) or lack of knowledge that it was possible to make an advance request.
Once killing incompetent people is viewed as "compassionate" it will be considered cruel not to kill an incompetent person who is deemed to be suffering, because the person didn't make an advance request.
Every Canadian province has advanced directive laws. Therefore the federal government is debating an issue that is outside of their jurisdiction.
The "National conversation" on advance requests for medical assistance in dying will be open until February 14, 2025. The online consultation link is found on the Consultation website below the words - Join in: How to participate (Consultation Link).
Before completing the online consultation, please read our EPC guide to answering the online consultation (Link to the EPC guide).
3 comments:
How do you access the questionnaire as when you press the next button it goes no where
There must have been a temporary error because it is working.
There must have been a temporary error. It is working.
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