For shorter print versions of this article, click here and here.
For talking points, click here.
Will Johnston, MD Margaret Dore, JD
Alex Schadenberg
November 1, 2011
"Those who believe that legal
assisted suicide . . . will assure their
autonomy and choice are naive."
William Reichel, MD
Montreal Gazette,
May 30, 2010[1]
A. Introduction
Carter vs. Attorney General of Canada brings a constitutional challenge to Canada's laws prohibiting assisted suicide and euthanasia.[2] Carter also seeks to legalize these practices as a medical treatment.[3] Last year, a bill in Parliament seeking a similar result was overwhelmingly defeated.[4]
This article's focus is physician-assisted suicide.
Legalizing this practice would be a recipe for elder abuse. Legalization would also empower the Canadian health care system to the detriment of individual patient rights. There would be other problems.
B. Parliament Rejected Assisted Suicide
On April 21, 2010, Parliament defeated Bill C-384, which would have legalized physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada.[5] The vote was 228 to 59.[6]C. The Carter Case