Coming here? Canada’s horror show of assisted dying
Both these authors have been influenced by the horror show that is unfolding in Canada, where assisted suicide and a form of euthanasia have been legal since 2016. It shows you the importance of looking at the evidence from other countries and making sure as many people as possible know about what’s been going on.
First, a quick history of how Canada arrived at an assisted suicide law. In February 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in Carter v. Canada that parts of the Criminal Code would need to change to satisfy the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The parts that stopped assisted suicide would no longer be valid.
In June 2016, the Parliament of Canada passed federal legislation that allowed eligible Canadian adults to request an assisted suicide.
A mere four years later, in October 2020, Bill C-7 was introduced: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Medical Assistance in Dying). Its aim was simple: to expand access to assisted suicide. Once passed, the changes took place immediately.
Just look at how quickly incremental expansion followed the passing of the original law. A mere four years. In policy terms, that is remarkably quick. And it proves the slippery-slope argument is dangerously genuine. If you open the door to assisted suicide, it’s like Pandora’s Box – there’s no stopping the inevitable expansion.
Right to die becomes duty to die
Under the Canadian law, there are stories of ordinary Canadians choosing to die at the hands of a doctor rather than live in poverty. Canadians living with disabilities have been encouraged to kill themselves by officials, proving that the right to die becomes a duty to die. In December, the Canadian Government paused plans to expand access to assisted suicide to the mentally ill and ‘mature minors’. But it’s a brief respite. If you look at Belgium and The Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal, it’s possible for children to be euthanised under certain criteria.
Why does all this matter? Simply because the advocates of assisted suicide being legalised across the UK believe their time is coming. In Jersey, the government has already announced plans to pass assisted suicide legislation, and last month consulted on broad and radical proposals that would seriously undermine the most vulnerable across the island.
In Scotland, Liam McArthur is pushing his Private Members’ Bill and MSPs are expected to have the chance to debate it and vote on it at some point in 2023. Pro-assisted suicide campaigners believe they can secure change in these jurisdictions and then push at Westminster to bring England and Wales into line. Already this year the Health and Social Care Committee have held a call to evidence for an Inquiry into the existing law on assisted suicide.
It’s not inevitable
This law change does not have to be inevitable. Such an attitude will only serve those pushing for this dangerous change in the law. As Christians, the better story we believe in is one where we affirm everyone’s God-given dignity no matter their circumstances. Practically, you can engage with consultations, contact your elected representatives, pray and support the work of groups who are working flat out to prevent law change.
The prospect of assisted suicide being legalised fills me with dread because Canada shows you what happens once the dam bursts. It’s time for all of us to do what we can to oppose law change and make the case for greater palliative care, greater respect for elderly citizens, and for healthcare that remains focused on helping people to live, not die.
James Mildred is the Communications Manager for CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) www.care.org.uk
Read Evangelicals Now here
Related Posts
Tags
Share This
