More proof—as if it were really needed—that the assisted suicide movement believes in death on demand for any non transitory physical or mental condition perceived by the suicidal person as causing unbearable suffering. From the bill (C-384):(7)
Despite anything in this section, a medical practitioner does not commit homicide within the meaning of this Act by reason only that he or she aids a person to die with dignity, if (a) the person (i) is at least eighteen years of age, (ii) either
(A) continues, after trying or expressly refusing the appropriate treatments available, to experience severe physical or mental pain without any prospect of relief, or
(B) suffers from a terminal illness.
Note that the patient does not have to be physically ill—mental pain will do. Note also that even if the patient could have suffering reduced through proper treatment or care, he or she is still eligible to be aided in suicide by choosing death over treatment. Finally, there is no definition for what is meant by “death with dignity” or “aid in suicide,” and hence, I believe that this bill could be interpreted to authorize doctors to administer the death causing agent.
Repeat after me: Assisted suicide is not about terminal illness. Assisted suicide is not about terminal illness. Assisted suicide is not about terminal illness.
