RC Bishops mark ‘sobering anniversary’ of Canada’s euthanasia regime

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged “renewed concern” for life in defiance of the nation’s decade-long ‘programme of death’.

Bill C-14, which legalised euthanasia and assisted suicide across Canada, received Royal Assent on 17 June 2016. The Bill allows eligible adults to seek medical help to die.

According to the bishops’ statement, an estimated 100,000 Canadians have died under Medical Assistance in Dying (often referred to as MAID) since its introduction in 2016.

Human dignity

The bishops warned that “euthanasia and assisted suicide, whatever their motives or means, consist in intentionally causing or hastening the death of a person who is sick, suffering, disabled, or dying in order to eliminate suffering.

“Such acts can never be morally acceptable, for they are gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to God, the Creator and Lord of life.”

Rather, they continued, true compassion “does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, palliative care, and relief of pain”.

The Conference called for “proportionate treatment options that neither unduly prolong nor intentionally hasten death, but instead offer life-affirming and compassionate care”.

Westminster

Earlier this week, Labour MP Lauren Edwards announced that she will bring forward legislation identical to Kim Leadbeater’s assisted suicide Bill, which narrowly passed in the House of Commons one year ago.

The slim margin of 23 at the last vote means that just twelve MPs would need to change their mind in order for the new legislation to fall at Second Reading on 11 September. Half that number indicated last month they would not support bypassing the House of Lords if a similar Bill was brought forward.

Edwards’ decision to resurrect the Bill comes despite opposition from within her constituency, where only seven per cent say it is a priority issue.

The Christian Institute’s Angus Saul criticised the move as “irresponsible”. He commented: “Instead of bringing back this horrific Bill, MPs need to ensure that all can access high-quality palliative care.”