A Canadian disabled rights activist invited to address the U.S. Bishops’ conference was hoping to include a visit with President Bill Clinton on his agenda.
Mark Pickup of Beaumount, Alberta, will be in Washington March 7-8 to take part in the Life At Risk: A Closer Look at Assisted Suicide conference, sponsored by the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference, Doctor-assisted suicide is especially relevant now in light of the U.S. Supreme Court case considering the legality of state laws banning the practice.
Pickup, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, is a long-time critic of the right to die movement. He has appeared before a number of Canadian forums and parliamentary hearings arguing against laws permitting euthanasia and assisted suicide. He received the distinguished Kurelek Award last June for his efforts in support of the respect for life.
At least two Canadian politicians – Edmonton Southeast M.P. David Kilgour and Alberta Family and Social Services Minister Stockwell Day – have written President Clinton to request that he meet Pickup, Prior to departing however, Pickup learned that due to scheduling conflicts, the president would be unable to arrange a meeting.
Pickup told The Interim that he would very much have liked an opportunity to discuss right to life issues with President Clinton. He said his message for the president would have depended on the U.S. Supreme Court decision on assisted suicide.
“If the court rules against state prohibition of assisted suicide, then I would have asked President Clinton to develop a co-ordinated effort for a home-care program (For the terminally ill) to help lower the demand for assisted suicide,” Pickup said.
“But if the Supreme Court upholds the ban on assisted suicide, I would have asked Clinton to approach is justice department officials with a view to fortifying the constitutional guarantees to life and liberty for everyone, including the unborn.”
Pickup said it is inconsistent for Clinton to proclaim his vigorous opposition assisted-suicide legislation, while strongly supporting the right to abortion, including the gruesome partial-birth technique.
“The right to life should apply to the entire spectrum and that is a message I would have liked to deliver to President Clinton,” Pickup said.
Although a meeting with the president is not forthcoming, Pickup hopes to give his right to life message to a high-ranking Clinton official.
