Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute
Category: Religion
Decisions of Conscience
Dying with Dignity may challenge Ontario law exempting religious hospitals from offering assisted death
At least 631 people have chosen a medically assisted death since it became legal, coroner tells CBC News
CBC News
While more than 630 Ontarians to date have legally ended their lives with the help of a nurse or doctor, none have been able to do so within the walls of a hospital that has historic ties to the Catholic Church.
But advocates for medically assisted dying argue that since these are public-funded health-care centres, they are bound to offer the option — even though Ontario law currently exempts any person or institution that objects.
It’s legislation that Dying With Dignity Canada may challenge in court, according to the group’s CEO. . . [Full text]
Pope orders religious order to stop offering euthanasia in its hospitals
Aleteia
A religious congregation is being ordered by the pope to stop offering euthanasia in the hospitals it sponsors.
According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis has ordered the Belgian arm of the Brothers of Charity to stop allowing the euthanizing of patients in its psychiatric hospitals. .
Pope Francis also ordered Brothers of Charity who serve on the group’s board to sign a joint letter to their Superior General declaring that they “fully support the vision of the magisterium of the Catholic Church, which has always confirmed that human life must be respected and protected in absolute terms, from the moment of conception till its natural end.” . . .[Full text]
Vatican threatens Belgian order allowing euthanasia
La Croix
A brusque reversal by the Belgian province of the Order of the Brothers of Charity has led to a lively polemic.
The order has previously always refused to practice euthanasia, which has been legal in Belgium for nearly fifteen years.
But in a document addressed to hospital management and staff of its fifteen psychiatric centers, the Belgium Brothers of Charity in March confirmed its decision to finally authorize medically assisted death, including for its patients who were “in a non-terminal situation”.
No explanation of the reasons for the change
This surprising about face by a Catholic congregation attracted the fire of the Belgian Bishops Conference, the Vatican and the hierarchy of the Order. . . [Full text]