By Alex Schadenberg
Last year, Campaign Life Coalition experienced a serious shock when one of their valued employees, Rebecca Ducusin, experienced life-threatening health problems and become incapable of making medical decisions for herself. Questions arose pertaining to who would have the legal authority to make decisions on her behalf. The difficulties and stress associated with her needs and how to protect her were immense due to the fact that Rebecca did not have a power of attorney for personal care.
It is incumbent upon all pro-life people to have a power of attorney for personal care that reflects their beliefs and protects them when they become incapable of making medical decisions for themselves.
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of Ontario has developed a Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care which is a simple, legal way to protect yourself when you become incapable of making medical decisions for yourself.
Since the Substitute Decisions Act was made law in Ontario in 1992 it has become important that pro-life people have a power of attorney for personal care. The problem with most of these documents is that ambiguous terminology may result in medical care-givers not providing treatment for you when you would have wanted it. This could result in your premature death or legal challenges to your physician. The Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care is designed to protect you from these possible situations.
What makes the Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care unique is its “Statement of Special Provisions, Directions and Limitations.” This section defines terminology and ensures that your life will be respected and protected. This section also is a guide for the substitute decision maker whom you will choose to make your medical care decisions when you are incapable of doing so.
The “Statement of Special Provisions, Directions and Limitations” emphasizes our opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia. Euthanasia is defined to include both active euthanasia (lethal injection) and euthanasia by omission (usually intentional starvation and dehydration for the purpose of ending a person’s life). The terminology within the Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care is designed to protect your life when you become incapable of defending yourself.
The Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care is legally binding and easy to fill out. The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of Ontario is willing to help you in the process of using the document. Just call the office at: 1-877-439-3348. We also have lawyers who are willing to work with you in case you wish to make adjustments to the document.
To receive your copy of the Life Protecting Power of Attorney for Personal Care just send a donation of $20 to the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition of Ontario – 247 Grey St., London, Ont. N6B 1G4.
