Canada Launches ‘national consultation' on ‘advance requests' for euthanasia
Summary
The Canadian government is seeking public feedback on a proposal to allow "advance requests" for euthanasia, enabling individuals to arrange for medically assisted death before becoming incapacitated. This initiative follows Quebec's earlier adoption of similar policies for patients diagnosed with severe, incurable illnesses like Alzheimer’s. While the federal government describes this as a complex issue, it aims to ensure that the euthanasia program is responsive to Canadians' needs, supports autonomy, and protects vulnerable individuals. This proposal continues the expansion of the MAiD program, which has been contentious since its inception in 2016.
Relevance
Catholic organizations, which oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide on moral grounds, are directly impacted by policies like the one proposed for advance requests. The article highlights the ongoing debate over autonomy, consent, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, issues that are central to Catholic healthcare's stance on MAiD and its role in public health and ethical debates.