A selection of what’s been said on the subject of medically assisted death

OTTAWA – A selection of quotes on the subject of medically assisted dying following the release Thursday of a long-awaited report from a special joint parliamentary committee:

“It is a crime in Canada to assist another person in ending her own life. As a result, people who are grievously and irremediably ill cannot seek a physician’s assistance in dying and may be condemned to a life of severe and intolerable suffering. A person facing this prospect has two options: she can take her own life prematurely, often by violent or dangerous means, or she can suffer until she dies from natural causes. The choice is cruel.” — From the Supreme Court of Canada decision in Carter vs Canada, Feb. 6, 2015.

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“We conclude that the prohibition on physician-assisted dying is void insofar as it deprives a competent adult of such assistance where (1) the person affected clearly consents to the termination of life; and (2) the person has a grievous and irremediable medical condition (including an illness, disease or disability) that causes enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the circumstances of his or her condition.” — Carter vs. Canada.

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“Our response to the Carter ruling must be focused on the needs and wishes of patients. The committee was unanimous in recognizing the overarching need to have safeguards to protect the vulnerable.” — Excerpt from the committee’s report.

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“We’re looking to ensure that we continue to take an empathetic approach, that we look to create balance in our approach that recognizes the autonomy of individuals, that recognizes the need to protect the vulnerable, that respects the conscience rights of medical practitioners.” — Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

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“Without the option to consent in advance to assisted dying, Canadians with dementia who want to die in peace with the help of a physician face a dire choice: access assisted-dying prematurely, while they are still competent, or risk losing competence before their wishes can be carried out, only to be condemned to the exact fate they sought to avoid.” — Shanaaz Gokool of Dying With Dignity Canada.

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“Forging legislation to govern physician-assisted dying is an immense and humbling undertaking. This joint effort between senators and members of Parliament shows how the two chambers can work together to tackle this complex ethical problem for the benefit of all Canadians.” — Sen. Kelvin Kenneth Ogilvie, co-chair of the committee.

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“The committee has worked diligently and in a non-partisan manner to present the government with a report that balances the rights of Canadians to access medical assistance in dying and protects vulnerable populations and our medical professionals.” — MP Robert Oliphant, co-chair of the committee.

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“The Supreme Court gave Parliament a fairly clear road map to respond to Carter. Unfortunately, the committee’s report does not follow the road map. It leaves the door wide open to (physician-assisted dying) for minors and it fails to provide robust safeguards to protect vulnerable populations, particularly people with mental health issues.” — MP Michael Cooper, co-vice chair of the committee.

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“The doctors of Canada hope that the recommendations outlined in today’s report will result in a consistent approach across provinces, including federally co-ordinated reporting and oversight. In particular, we are dedicated to finding a solution, in partnership with legislators and regulators, that ensures patients have effective access to the service should they need it, no matter where they live.” — Dr. Cindy Forbes, president, Canadian Medical Association.

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“We are concerned that the committee’s permissive approach would put vulnerable people at risk. Their recommendations exceed guidance from the Supreme Court, as well as UN conventions to which Canada is a signatory.” — Tony Dolan, chair of the Council for Canadians with Disabilities.

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“We believe the recommendations contained in the committee report fall well short of the minimum safeguards we believe are essential to protecting vulnerable Canadians. Clearly there is a lot of work still to be done.” — Michael Bach, executive vice-president of the Canadian Association of Community Living.