WATCH ABOVE: As new guidelines are established in Quebec on how to proceed with euthanasia, one palliative care residence has said it is opting out. Howard Cohen reports.
MONTREAL – The West Island Palliative Care Residence (WIPCR) has come out saying it rejects Quebec’s euthanasia law, Bill 52, and will not take part once it comes into effect.
“The government allowed palliative care residences to opt-out because it’s not within our philosophy,” said Teresa Dellar, Executive Director of the WIPCR.
“Palliative care means that we’re caring for the patient and euthanasia’s a different definition.”
The residence was opened 13 years ago and is the largest freestanding palliative care residence in Canada.
“As a family, you can really live some precious moments that will be important for you for the rest of your life, and for the person who’s dying,” said Céline Dupuis, a doctor with the residence.
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This decision comes shortly after the Quebec College of Physicians released its guidelines on how to properly perform euthanasia.
Euthanasia kits will soon be released to doctors across the province.
“This bill is about giving the citizens in this situation of end of life care to make a decision and to honour that decision,” said Gaétan Barrette, Quebec’s Health Minister.
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The medication to be administered includes three drugs: one that relieves anxiety, one that puts the patient to sleep and another that paralyzes the muscles.
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Physicians will have exclusive access to the guidelines online.
Both the MUHC and CHUM hospital networks have established committees to determine how Bill 52 will be implemented.
In the coming weeks, the Quebec College of Physicians will train its members.
“There can be conscious objections on the part of health professionals,” said Yves Robert with the College.
“That’s OK. Most physicians are willing to go forward with this new legislation.”
Quebec will be the first Canadian jurisdiction to permit euthanasia within its hospitals.
Belgium and the Netherlands have already legalized the practice, as has the state of Oregon.
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