Bill C-384 defeated

Bill C-384 was resoundingly defeated at its reading yesterday (April 21, 2010) in the House by a majority of 228-59. Francine Lalonde’s private member’s Bill has had several chances, but it has been increasingly clear that, in its present form, Parliament would not endorse it.

The reasons for this are many:

some MPs are against the Bill on moral grounds;
some think alternatives such as palliative care have not been adequately explored;
some fear possible consequences of damage to the doctor/patient relationship;
some express concern about increased vulnerability of those who are not competent to express their thoughts on the matter;
some would vote against it on partisan grounds…

CCBI was heartened last fall when we contacted every Member of Parliament expressing concern about legislating physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. We received many responses, some fairly lengthy in their explanations as to why they would not support these practices. The House is to be congratulated on taking such a firm stand, and CCBI intends to write again to thank the same Members for their very definite vote on these matters.

Thanks to you, too, supporters of CCBI, for all you do to protect the elderly and vulnerable members of our society!

With prayers to St. Joseph, saint of recourse for teaching us how to die,

Moira