A plan put forward by the parliament of the Swiss canton of Vaud to oblige nursing homes to accept assisted suicide has been approved by the electorate. The new law is supported by associations of Vaud nursing homes and physicians. It specifies that the applicant must be suffering from an incurable illness or injury and be of sound mind. The voters rejected an alternative proposal that would have given nursing home residents an unconditional right to assisted suicide. [swissinfo.ch] It does not appear that a rejection of both positions in favour of a ban on assisted suicide was considered, nor does it appear that there was a discussion of the possibility of conscientious objection.
Category: Countries
Canadian judge strikes down law against physician assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia
Madam Justice Smith of the British Columbia Supreme Court has struck down sections of the Criminal Code prohibiting physician assisted suicide and euthanasia, given the Government of Canada one year to draft a law allowing the procedures, and granted a woman with ALS a “constitutional exemption” that will allow her to have a court authorize assisted suicide or euthanasia in her case in the interim. [Ruling] [Project review of ruling]
Catholic Health Association now opposes contraceptive mandate
The Catholic Health Association of the United States, which first responded favourably to a claim by the Obama administration that it would accommodate religious objectors, has now formally stated its opposition to the plans to force employers to provide health insurance for contraception, embryocidal drugs and devices and sterilization.
Quebec to consider allowing euthanasia and assisted suicide
Quebec Minister of Health Yves Bolduc and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Quebec, Jean-Marc Fournier have announed that a committee of legal experts will be formed to determine how to allow assisted suicide and euthanasia in the province, though the procedures are criminal offences in Canada. [LifeSite News]
Voluntary euthanasia bill defeated in South Australia
By a margin of two votes, the South Australia House of Assembly rejected the Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2012, a private member’s bill. [ABC News] The bill included a protection of conscience provision.