Quebec die with dignity legislation tabled

Canada’s federal government says it will review proposed right-to-die legislation tabled in the Quebec Legislature Wednesday.

After holding public hearings across the province, Quebec’s government tabled the controversial right-to-die legislation. Euthanasia is illegal in Canada. But the bill explains how actions to end a life will not be considered suicide. Under the legislation, terminal patients must meet specific conditions to request medical assistance to die. And doctors must follow certain requirements before accepting. Under the recommendations, patients would have to make the request to a doctor on the basis of unbearable physical or psychological suffering. And two doctors would have to approve the request, which would have to be made in writing.

The campaign to stop this law is being led by Alex Schadenberg, chair of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition International. He appeared on Square Off today.