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Canada Launches ‘national consultation' on ‘advance requests' for euthanasia
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.
By: Daniel Payne
Catholic Medical Association Exposes Fight Against Normalizing Assisted Suicide
The American Medical Association (AMA) is set to discuss two resolutions regarding assisted suicide at an upcoming interim meeting. One resolution proposes to stop "criminalizing" doctors, patients, and families involved in assisted suicides, replacing the term "assisted suicide" with "Medical Aid In Dying" (MAID). The other resolution proposes the AMA take a neutral stance on assisted suicide.
Dr. Tim Millea from the Catholic Medical Association opposes these resolutions, expressing concern about the younger generation's perspective and advocating for care over ending lives unnaturally. The AMA's decisions hold significant sway in legislation at state and federal levels.
By: Madalaine Elhabbal
Vatican wrong to open door to euthanasia says LCP whistleblower
A former hospital doctor in Malta who is now an archdiocese speaks out about the Pontifical Academy of Life’s statement that in some situations, euthanasia is acceptable. He strongly disagrees with depriving patients of food and nutrients, particularly the elderly. Moreover, he says that the motivation is to reduce costs. He hosted a lecture on LCP, Liverpool Care Pathway, which delivers euthanasia, and explained how it abuses its power over patients. His lecture prompted families to come forward with their experiences of abuse under LCP. As a result, the government requested an inquiry, and as a result of the inquiry, the LCP was abolished.
By: Simon Caldwell
Help for those accompanying Catholics facing end of life decisions
Australian Catholic Bishops have released the Companion Guide to better inform patients and their loved ones about euthanasia. The document was made after consulting Church leaders and health workers. Catholic Health Australia believes that more funding and attention should be placed in palliative care. The justification is that without adequate palliative care options, patients may seek euthanasia because of the lack of alternatives.
By: ACBC, CHA
N.S regulatory group, some Christian doctors clash over medical assitance in dying
A group of Christian doctors object to the conscientious objection policy, where healthcare workers who refuse to provide medical service on religious grounds must refer the patient to a facility that administers those services. These doctors face potential disciplinary action for not following the referral protocol in conscientious objection. Many physicians object to referring patients to MAiD services because they believe euthanasia does not reflect what is in “the best interest of the patient”.
By: Vernon Ramesar
Family sues over hospital's religious exemption for euthanasia
A patient who requested MAID in a catholic hospital was transferred to another location because the Catholic hospital refused to provide MAiD to the patient. The patient's family is suing British Columbia for violating their daughter’s rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The organization Dying with Dignity was named in the lawsuit, and they released a survey reporting that most British Columbians are in favour of MAiD. Data also showed that the majority support religious healthcare institutions' refusal to administer MAiD.
By: The B.C. Catholic
Euthanasia's forgotten casuality pallitative care
The article is written from the perspective that MAiD contradicts Catholic values. Euthenasia redefines palliative care, as killing the patient is viewed as different from caring for them. Moreover, accessibility to palliative care must be improved before offering MAiD. The author is especially concerned about the lack of palliative care for children.
By: Catholic Register
Disabled Canadians are traumatized after being offered euthanasia multiple times.
Roger Foley struggles with health conditions and feels that Canadian healthcare has been neglecting his needs. He describes experiences of support workers neglecting their jobs and agencies refusing to take responsibility for inadequate care. Instead, healthcare professionals have responded to his condition and struggle with suicidal thoughts by suggesting MAiD.
By: Lee Harding
Conscience rights’ battle rages in Nova Scotia
The article focuses on Christian physicians in Nova Scotia who are opposing a policy by the province’s College of Physicians and Surgeons that would require them to refer patients for euthanasia, abortion, and gender-affirming medical services. The policy could result in disciplinary action or loss of medical licenses for physicians who refuse to comply. The Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada (CMDA) is fighting this proposal, emphasizing the integration of Christian faith into medical practice.
Despite conflicting statements from the college, indicating initially no intention of these policies, consultations are now underway. The CMDA questions the necessity of referrals when resources are already accessible to patients and sees the policy as potentially coercive towards Christian physicians
By: Luke Mandato
Quebec judge won't exempt church-supported palliative care home from MAID law
A Superior Court judge in Montreal denied the Roman Catholic archdiocese's request for an exemption to a Quebec law mandating all palliative care centres to offer MAiD. Justice Catherine Piche ruled that Quebecers' right to choose their medical care, including MAiD, outweighs any infringement on religious freedom. The archdiocese argued that the law violated their religious beliefs, particularly at St. Raphael's palliative care home, which operates in a former church owned by the archdiocese. Despite acknowledging the moral dilemma for some Catholic supporters, the judge ruled against granting an exemption.
By: Jacob Serebrin
Canadian bishops warn government ‘fully committed’ to expanding assisted suicide
In this article, there is a focus on the proposed expansion on MAiD. The decision, criticized by Canada’s Catholic bishops, highlights concerns about the readiness of the healthcare system to support vulnerable individuals. The bishops oppose assisted suicide, emphasizing the sanctity of life and advocating for increased investment in mental health resources. Despite the pressure, Catholic healthcare institutions maintain their stance against participating in assisted suicide, asserting their commitment to Catholic teachings.
By: John Lavenburg
Ordinary Catholics must rise up against MAiD
This article discusses anti-euthanasia education material being delivered by parishes to Canadians. It addresses the efforts of the Christian Medical Dental Association and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sherwood, working together to bring an end to MAiD policies in Canada through lectures and open discussions. In Edmonton, those in Catholic leadership positions are aiming to demand better support to keep 'living patients living' rather than turning to MAiD.
By: Quinton Amundson
Access to MAiD should not cater to faith-based interests
This article criticizes the B.C. Ministry of Health's plan to accommodate MAiD services at St. Paul's Hospital. The author argues that the proposed solution (which involves creating a separate space for MAiD services due to the hospital's Catholic affiliation) is unconstitutional. The article highlights concerns about patient suffering caused by forced transfers, challenges to patient-centred care, and the infringement of constitutional rights in faith-based healthcare settings. There is emphasis on a redesign of the plan to prioritize patient needs over religious considerations.
By: Jocelyn Downie, Daphne Gilbert
Catholic Church challenging Quebec MAID law in court on religious freedom grounds
The lawsuit discussed in the article argues that the Catholic Church should be exempt from a section of the law requiring all palliative care homes in the province to offer medical assistance in dying. It claims the law forces the church into an unsolvable dilemma: either cease supporting its palliative care center or "accept that their property, a former church, be used to carry out acts they consider morally unacceptable."
By: Jacob Serebrin
Is the Catholic church getting "bailed out" when it comes to MAID in BC?
St. Paul’s Hospital in BC is now offering MAiD, but the process is complicated due to its affiliation with Providence Healthcare, a faith-based organization. Critics, including Dying with Dignity, argue that the current setup, requiring transfers to a separate facility, causes unnecessary suffering and delays. Many healthcare professionals support MAiD but are restricted by religious policies. The BC Ministry of Health has responded with plans for a dedicated MAiD space by 2024. However, critics like Scott Harrison believe more immediate solutions are needed, questioning the province's political will to resolve the issue.
By: Amir Ali
Pro-Euthanasia Activists to Sue Catholic Hospital in Canada
Pro-euthanasia activists, supported by Dying with Dignity Canada, are preparing to sue St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver for its refusal to provide medical assistance in dying (MAiD) within its facilities. The lawsuit challenges the hospital's adherence to Catholic ethical guidelines that oppose euthanasia. This legal action highlights the tension between secular advocacy groups and religious healthcare institutions regarding the provision of assisted suicide services in Canada.
By: Thomas McKenna
MAiD for mental illness must be stopped, not paused, Catholic and legal experts say
Archbishop J. Michael Miller welcomed the federal government's decision to delay the expansion of MAiD for individuals with mental illness but expressed disappointment that the government still intends to proceed with the expansion in the future. Advocates said the delay is not a victory, as proponents of MAiD are likely to continue their efforts during the pause. Legal experts and advocacy groups argue for a permanent pause on the expansion.
Phil Horgan, Catholic Civil Rights League: "The 'system' has gone far beyond anything contemplated by our Supreme Court. Perhaps some humility is in order."
By: The B.C. Catholic
Letters: Questions about St.Paul’s Hospital
Letters to the editor highlight the disapproval of MAiD in the Catholic healthcare community. "Hospital staff need to be educated to stand strong against any compliance with this evil and know their right to conscience protection."
"Our bishops need to call everyone to urgently fast and pray for the end of this scourge of MAID happening in most Canadian hospitals now, or adjacent to them."
By: Letters to the Editor
Canada’s Bishops ‘urgently’ trying to counter State euthanasia expansion
In this article, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops opposes the expansion of Canada's assisted suicide law to include people with mental illness. It emphasized the need for increased investment in mental health resources instead. They affirm their opposition to assisted suicide, asserting that Catholic healthcare institutions will not perform it. Despite pressure they remained firm stating that these actions would violate Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life. The bishops called for respect for their institutions' identities and urged lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of citizens. They affirm their commitment to supporting patients' safe discharge and transfer of care when choosing options not offered by Catholic healthcare institutions.
By: Crux Staff
Growing skills is paramount at Unity Health Toronto
Sonya Canzian, a registered nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital, now part of the Unity Health Toronto network, is dedicated to providing the best possible care. After 20 years as a nurse, she now serves as the Executive Vice President of Clinical Programs, People, and Chief Nursing & Health Professions Officer at Unity Health. Canzian highlights the benefits of being part of Unity Health, particularly its commitment to staff education and development: “It is our duty to be forward-thinking so that our staff are well-prepared to face new challenges and ever-changing environments. All of our full- and part-time employees have access to education funds to support lifelong learning and career development.”
By: The Globe and Mail