A Belgian man diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) for 23 years after an automobile accident was found to be conscious the whole time. Rather he had a condition known as Locked-in Syndrome, in which a person is fully aware of all of their surroundings, but due to their cognitive disability are unable to respond. After being re-diagnosed by [...]
On Nov. 2, a column by Steven Fletcher appeared in the National Post about C-384, a private member’s bill that would legalize euthanasia and doctor-assisted suicide. Fletcher’s opinion could be influential; not only is he a Conservative MP and cabinet minister, he is a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair since a 1996 automobile accident, He said more should be done to improve the lives [...]
On Oct. 2, Bill C-384, Francine Lalonde’s private member’s bill to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, received its first hour of debate. The bill was introduced on May 13 by the Bloc Québécois MP, in her third attempt to get such legislation passed in Parliament. Two previous attempts were scuttled when an election was called. The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition has led the [...]
“Where are you going, Frank?” asked my wife. “Ottawa, my dear, to interview a BQ MP.” “I thought it was only Liberals you enjoyed torturing?” “No, I’m just trying to change the course of history.” “Good luck, dear.” The next day, after arriving in Ottawa, I inquired: “Is this the office of Francine Lalonde, the BQ member for La Pointe-de-l’Ille?” “Yes, what [...]
On Oct. 2, Bill C-384, the private member’s bill to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, is to receive its first hour of debate. It was introduced on May 13 by Bloc Québécois MP Francine Lalonde. Since then, many groups and individuals have helped the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition fight it by sending Stop Bill C-384 postcards and hand-written letters, and meeting with members [...]
Indian capital legalizes gay sex NEW DELHI – Justice S. Muralidhar of New Delhi’s High Court decriminalized consensual gay sex between adults in a controversial decision on July 2. The law only applies within city limits, but sets a legal precedent that may be invoked by courts across India. While India’s gays celebrated the victory, spiritual leaders in the religiously diverse country [...]
The Quebec College of Physicians ethics task force is pushing the envelope on euthanasia by proposing that some forms of euthanasia be considered “as part of the appropriate care in certain particular circumstances.” The task force has toyed with the issue for three years and now is prepared to release a “reflection” paper in November. Dr. Yves Robert, the college’s secretary, told [...]
On May 13, Francine Lalonde MP (BQ - La Pointe-de-l’Île) introduced Bill C-384: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (right to die with dignity). There are at least 14 concerns that the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition has with the bill. Bill C-384 would legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. Bill C-384 does not restrict intended death to Canadian citizens, thus if [...]
On May 12, Francine Lalonde (Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île) introduced C-484, a private members bill to legalize euthanasia in Canada. It is the third time that she has introduced such a bill, with two previous attempts in 2005 and 2008 dying on the House floor when an election was called. Bill C-484 would add an exception to the criminal code, ensuring that doctors [...]
Britain refusing to prosecute law-breaking euthanasia tourists The founder of the Swiss euthanasia group Dignitas, Ludwig Minelli, said in a recent interview that he is seeking permission from the courts in Switzerland to assist in the suicide of a perfectly healthy woman. The woman is the wife of an unnamed and ill Canadian man who may seek suicide at the Dignitas facility; [...]
A Quebec couple has launched a $3.5-million lawsuit against Montreal Children's Hospital for allegedly putting their infant daughter back on artificial food and hydration without their approval. Marie-Eve Laurendeau gave birth to Phebe Mantha at LaSalle Hospital in November 2007. After a difficult delivery, Phebe was transferred to Montreal Children's Hospital in serious condition and put on life support. According to the [...]
Alex Schadenberg discusses online suicide counseling and websites, after a depressed Carleton U student was given internet ‘advice’ by a nurse from Minnesota to take her own life.
Alex Schadenberg analyzes the American state’s ‘Death with Dignity Act’, which reveals a dangerous trend.
Michael Coren discusses the inherent contradiction within the notion of ‘dying with dignity’.
Lalonde plans to re-introduce a euthanasia bill.