So Quebec politicians have debated the concept of assisted suicide and consulted lawyers familiar with the constitution and they say they can enact a provincial law.
The ailing person would have to ask for the exit themselves, in writing, based on “unbearable physical or psychological suffering”. No one could do it on their behalf. Two doctors would have to approve the request. And doctors wouldn’t be forced to do it. They could decide whether to take on this aspect of health care. Medical experts in Quebec still say palliative care is the best solution but there simply isn’t enough room for everyone who needs a hospice or palliative bed in a hospital.
I see this as a move in the right direction. Then again, I’ve seen someone endure unbearable suffering and more than once I’ve heard of terminal patients who cannot be kept out of pain. What do you think?
Medical experts, screw them! Its a matter of quality of life and ones own assessment of it. We don’t consult medical experts prior to bringing a life into being and we don’t need their opinions when it is time to exit with dignity. As long as there are sufficient safe guards in place to prevent abuses, I think its a long over due step in the right direction. The question which remains outstanding, what about those individuals who lack mental capacity to form intent or who have a appointed guardian such as parents of a highly disabled child? This raises issues of conflict of interest an objectivity as to whose best interest is being acted on.
Couldn’t agree more Allan! I’ve never understood the audacity of one person to tell another that they MUST continue to live in agony or extreme discomfort. It’s the epitome of arrogance and the time for change to these religion=based laws is long past due.