Two voices on Supreme Court ruling to allow physician-assisted suicide
Today, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled, unanimously, that severely ill adults have the right to choose to end their lives with the help of a physician. Parliament now has a year to create legislation that reflects the court's ruling....
Today, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled, unanimously, that severely ill adults have the right to choose to end their lives with the help of a physician. Parliament now has a year to create legislation that reflects the court's ruling.
Joseph Arvay argued the case before the Supreme Court justices. He was representing Gloria Taylor and Kay Carter, two women from British Columbia, both of whom had been diagnosed with debilitating illnesses. Carter flew to Switzerland in 2010 to end her life there with assistance. Gloria Taylor had ALS and died in hospital in 2012 after contracting an infection.
"The Supreme Court of Canada deserves accolades for the courage of its decision," Arvay tells As It Happens host Carol Off. "There's no doubt about the unconsititutionality of the law," he said, referring to the existing ban on physician-assisted suicide. Arvay called it a victory "for all Canadians," adding that opposition to assisted suicide "is rooted in misconceptions and misunderstandings."
Catherine Frazee, however, disagrees. She's a longtime advocate for people with disabilities, and speaks for the Canadian Association for Community Living. She's also the former Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights commission. She tells Carol Off the decision "changes everything in our moral universe."
Catherine Frazee.
She says perceptions of "dignity" stem from people who don't have disabilities, and who assume people who have disabilities suffer from a lack of dignity - which isn't true. The more critical issue, she adds, is a lack of support and care for people with serious illnesses and disabilities.
"We will have universal access to suicide assistance in a nation that does not provide universal access to palliative care," she says. "How is that just?"