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Father of Calgary woman starving herself abandons court fight against her MAiD approval
"A woman received approval for MAiD, however her family is fighting this decision because they don’t think she should qualify for MAiD. A judge ordered that her access to MAiD be placed on hold until, the appeal decision is made. During the interim period, she began to starve herself, which led her case to be expedited to June 24th. However, the family has currently dropped the appeal for their daughter’s MAiD approval.”
By: CBC
Pope Francis again uses slur for gay priests in Vatican: Italian media
A month ago, the pope used an offensive word to describe gay priests in the Vatican, and he has since used the slur in a meeting with bishops. He apologized for his statements and said that he did not intend to be offensive. In the meeting, he expresses that the LGBTQ+ community is welcomed to the church but he has reservations about them becoming seminarians.
By: Guiseppe Fonte
Local hospitals raising flags for pride month
In light of their upcoming merger, St Mary’s and Grand River hospital are raising pride flags for the pride month. The CEO of Grand River says the purpose of raising the pride flag is to promote inclusivity and demonstrate the shared values between the hospitals. Particularly, they want to express that the LGBTQ+ community is welcomed into these hospital spaces. These hospitals will also participate in pride events in Victoria park.
By: City News
A chilling effect of Louisiana's abortion law
Abortion pills, mifepristone and misoprostol have been recently classified as dangerous substances in Louisina in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v Wade. The justification for banning abortion pills was their potential to be used to nonconsensually induce an abortion when disguised in food or drink. Nevertheless, Apart from terminating a pregnancy, these drugs have other uses, however the new classification will render access more diffcult regardless of the reason for its use.
By: Lora Kelly
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
Abuse allegations at Quebec orphanage : Health authority, religious order agree to $65 settlement
At a catholic orphanage, a lawsuit represented abuse victims from 1925 to 1996. Victims are seeking the lawsuit because they want to be compensated for their trauma at this institution. The class action is against the religious order and will go to trial in September. There are 600 victims to date, but the class action lawsuit representative expects more victims to come forward.
By: Rachel Watts
Amplifying community voices through art at St. Michael’s Hospital
St Micheal’s new art installation to promote their anti-racism values. The art installation was made through a committee of staff, patients and partners. They prioritized adding art made by BIPOC artists. The objective of the art installation was to promote well-being and inclusivity.
By: Unity Health
Transgender 18-year old attemps top surgery on himself at home due to lack of access
Several religious groups filed a case against Missouri enforcing its abortion law because it was said to violate the constitution. They are particularly referring to a section that references God and the right to life. Even though the language appears to be religious, the judge says that belief that life starts at conception isn’t inherently religious. Missouri’s abortion law is that unless there is a medical emergency it is a crime to perform an abortion, with repercussions to women who have these procedures done as well
By: RNZ News
Meet Marienette Bergantinos, concierge, Evanston Summit
Marienette Bergantinos, a concierge at Evanston Summit, a Covenant Living site in Calgary, values every interaction with residents and their families. She sees it as an opportunity to strengthen bonds. She dedicates time daily to greet and speak with residents to prioritize these interactions. Her commitment to enhancing operations and increasing efficiency has earned her a nomination for Covenant's 2024 Mission Award for Stewardship. Marienette's journey with Covenant began in 2022, driven by a passion for helping others. She highlights the supportive organizational culture at Covenant, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care and community building.
By: Peter Rybar
Vatican’s declaration of gender-affirming surgery and surrogacy as grave violations of human dignity denounced by critic
The Vatican released a declaration titled "Infinite Dignity," condemning gender-affirming surgery, surrogacy, and gender theory as grave violations of human dignity on par with abortion and euthanasia. Despite Pope Francis' previous outreach to the LGBTQ community, the document reaffirmed the Church's rejection of "gender ideologies." LGBTQ advocates criticized the document as outdated and harmful, warning of its potential impact on transgender individuals. The Vatican's stance contrasts with President Biden's support for LGBTQ rights, although the White House acknowledged the Vatican's call to protect LGBTQ individuals from violence and imprisonment. The release of the document coincides with a rise in hostility towards transgender individuals, particularly in the United States, where state legislatures are considering bills restricting medical care for transgender youths.
By: Nicole Winfeild
‘Our lord and saviour': Saskatoon doctor allegedly tried to talk patient out of abortion for religious reasons
A Saskatoon doctor, Davids, faces scrutiny for allegedly making uncomfortable religious comments to a patient, leading to charges by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan on February 13. The complaint highlights a distressing interaction during a medical consultation, where Davids made remarks about the patient's deceased relatives caring for her baby in heaven and urged her to believe in 'our lord and saviour.'
By: Rory MacLean
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
‘Constantly be curious’: Rev. Bob Bond reflects on a career as Niagara Health chaplain
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 toward Christian physicians.
By: Niagara Health
The Powerful Constraints on Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals Across America
The article highlights a case involving a pregnant woman whose water broke prematurely, presenting a situation where her fetus had little chance of survival. Despite the woman's wishes to end the pregnancy, she was unable to receive intervention due to the hospital's adherence to Catholic directives that prohibit procedures like abortion. It highlights instances where patients are turned away from necessary care due to religious constraints, particularly in Catholic hospitals. Despite medical recommendations, patients may face delays or denials in receiving appropriate care, posing risks to their health.
By: Rachana Pradhan, Hannah Recht
Canada’s public health system is not equal for all
Canada's public health system, though founded on principles of equality and diversity, exhibits systemic biases adversely affecting Black Canadians. Studies reveal experiences of dehumanization, negligent communication, and unequal access to care among Black patients, leading to diminished trust and underutilization of healthcare services. These disparities are further exacerbated by socioeconomic barriers and a lack of culturally sensitive support systems. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving true healthcare equity and reform in Canada.
By: Rayana Jamasi
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