Monday, June 18, 2012

Canada: Bad Ruling in British Columbia Hopefully Not Last Word, Says Disability Coalition

Last week, the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued a really bad ruling that opens the door to assisted suicide in at least that province.  From what I've heard and read so far, the court skirted the issue of discrimination; that even if it's legal to attempt to kill yourself, that doesn't mean you get a painless and foolproof way to kill yourself.  Well, this Court thinks it's OK - as long as you're old, ill or disabled.

Below is the press release from the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD):

Canadians with Disabilities Dismayed by BC Court Approval of Assisted Suicide



15 June 2012
For Immediate Release

Today, the Supreme Court of British Columbia handed down its decision in the Carter case, opening the door for assisted suicide in Canada.  Justice Lynn Smith found that the “provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada prohibiting physician–assisted dying, unjustifiably infringe the equality rights of Gloria Taylor, and the rights to life, liberty and security of the person of Gloria Taylor, Lee Carter and Hollis Johnson.”

Canadians with disabilities are disappointed by the Judge’s decision.  There is a concern that vulnerable people will be put at risk if the Criminal Code provisions against assisted suicide are struck down.  The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) urges the Government of Canada to appeal this decision.

Canadians who are concerned with this decision should write the Minister of Justice and encourage an appeal of this decision to the Supreme Court.  Before any law is changed the interests of vulnerable persons including people with disabilities must be addressed.

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For More Information Contact:

Dean Richert, Co-chair, CCD Ending of Life Ethics Committee, Tel:   204-951-6273  (cell), Email: drichert@odgb.mb.ca

1 comment:

  1. I don't know what's more frustrating, the fact that people will be made vulnerable by these rulings or the fact that judges are fabricating rights that say that the people cannot choose to protect the vulnerable.

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