MONTREAL – More Quebecers have responded to the online survey on euthanasia than any other topic reviewed by the provincial government, suggesting a lively, emotional debate as public hearings get under way across the province Tuesday.
The commission, headed by Liberal provincial politician Geoffrey Kelley, will visit eight cities between now and early next year to hear more opinions on the issue of assisted suicide.
Many, including women’s health advocate Abby Lippman, are opposed to euthanasia, saying that it poses a danger to the most vulnerable and under-valued members of society such as women, the disabled and the elderly.
“We can have this discussion when there’s sufficient care for the elderly and people with disabilities,” she said. “Right now, they’re living without dignity because, for example, they don’t even have access to the (subway).”
Instead of focusing on ending life, she said, the health-care system should look at improving palliative care, pain management and home care.
“Euthanasia is not dying with dignity; it’s being killed and we should call it that.”
At a news conference Monday, Kelley said the commission is going into the hearings with an open mind.
The province has so far received 3,627 responses to its online survey on the topic, with people providing extra comments about their own experiences of dealing with a loved one suffering from a chronic or degenerative illness.
“Usually if we get 500 responses, so it’s by far the most popular online survey we’ve done,” Kelley said.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal under the Criminal Code, which provinces cannot change, but Ottawa would have to respect the public hearing process and any recommendations the commission makes, Kelley said.
Two U.S. states – Oregon and Washington – have adopted a law similar to Belgium, which allows assisted suicide, but under strict guidelines. The Netherlands and Luxembourg have legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Maria Barile, an activist for people with disabilities, is worried that doctors would make a decision without adequately consulting patients or their families, and that decision would be based on finances.
“People still think a disability is a negative thing,” said Barile, who is in a wheelchair and is hearing impaired. “I haven’t seen that much of a dramatic change in society – buildings are still being put up with inadequate access.”
Comments