Category: Assisted suicide

Queenslanders asked if voluntary euthanasia should be allowed for under-18s

Brisbane Times

Felicity Caldwell

Queenslanders will be asked whether voluntary euthanasia should be available to people aged under 18.

The Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Committee released an issues paper as part of its 12-month inquiry into aged and palliative care, end-of-life and voluntary assisted dying on Thursday.

People will be asked whether they think voluntary euthanasia should be allowed in Queensland, whether it should be limited to people aged 18 and over, and if doctors should be allowed to conscientiously object. . .[Full text]

The euthanasia slippery slope is here

National Post

Barbara Kay

Last week marked the four-year anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that validated Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). At the time, many euthanasiasts confidently predicted there would be no “slippery slope” toward abuses. . . Federal Justice Minister David Lametti has said the government will continue to review the practice of MAID. . . Will he take into serious consideration the opinions of doctors who find the practice repugnant and contrary to conscience? . . .[Full text]

Assisted dying: 1,500 doctors back campaign against ‘tacit support’ plan

Express

David Maddox

MORE than 1,000 doctors have signed a letter opposing alleged attempts by the Royal College of Physicians to become “neutral” on assisted dying.

The college is locked in a row with members over its position.

Although a poll in 2014 found 58 percent did not support it, the college says unless it has a 60 per cent majority for or against, it will adopt a neutral view. It is conducting a new poll but with a three-way question, which opponents say makes the majority harder to obtain. . .[Full text]

New hope for Ontario doctors’ conscience fight

The Catholic Register

Michael Swan

New evidence heard in court has given Ontario’s medical conscientious objectors renewed hope.

Two days of hearings before the Ontario Court of Appeal Jan. 21-22 has provided Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS) executive director Deacon Larry Worthen a dollop of confidence as he waits for a decision from the three-judge panel. . . Full Text