A Toronto doctor charged with assisting in a patient’s death has had his case put over to September 13.
Dr. Maurice Genereux is thought to be the first Canadian charged under the Criminal Code prohibition of physician-assisted suicide. He could face a maximum of 14 years in prison if convicted.
It is alleged that Dr. Genereux, an AIDS specialist, prescribed the drug seconal for one of his HIV – positive patients in order to hasten the man’s death. The patient was originally thought to have died from AIDS- related causes, but further investigation turned up Genereux’s alleged involvement.
Genereux, 49, was arrested June 20 and was freed on $1,000 bail. He is allowed to continue practicing medicine, but he is prohibited from prescribed controlled drugs.
He was not present at a July 19 hearing of Ontario Court’s Provincial Division.
It is not certain if a date for a preliminary hearing will be set at Genereux’s September 13 court appearance.
