By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
MONTREAL, September 16, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A group of Quebec doctors has submitted a document to the Quebec College of Physicians opposing the proposed legalization of euthanasia, and is asking fellow doctors to endorse the arguments against euthanasia by adding their names to the brief.
In July, the Quebec College of Physicians announced plans to recommend the decriminalization of euthanasia, “as part of the appropriate care in certain particular circumstances,” in order to pressure the federal government to amend the Criminal Code.
The document, titled “Say No to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: No Special Circumstance Can Justify Them” and co-authored by Quebec doctors Joseph Ayoub, André Bourque, Catherine Ferrier, François Lehmann, and Josée Morais, has so far garnered over 100 signatures from physicians from Quebec and around the country, according to press release from Quebec Life Coalition.
Addressing the euphemistic language used by euthanasia advocates to mask the reality of the intentional killing of a patient, the document states, “The proponents of euthanasia justify their position on the need to respect the autonomy and 'dignity' of the individual.” However, the physicians go on to assert that, despite legal and legislative challenges, Canadian law affirms the intrinsic value of human life.
“In recent years some cases have gone before the courts, and the Supreme Court of Canada has reaffirmed the intrinsic value of human life and the limits governing an individual's freedom to decide to end his or her own life.
“So the pro-euthanasia lobby has turned to its only possible recourse: an amendment of the Criminal Code by the Parliament of Canada. Bill C-384, introduced by Bloc Quebecois MP Francine Lalonde, is the latest attempt.”
The Quebec doctors' brief concludes with nine arguments why euthanasia and assisted suicide should never be decriminalized in Canada.
An abridged English version of the brief, and the brief in full in French, are available on the Quebec Life Coalition website here.
Co-author of the document, Dr. André Bourque, encourages Canadian doctors who read this article and wish to add their name to the brief to email Quebec Life Coalition at [email protected], who will then forward the information to Dr. Bourque.
Read related LSN coverage:
Quebec Physicians Propose Legalized Euthanasia
3 Out Of 4 Quebecers Want Euthanasia Legalized
MP Introduces Euthanasia Bill into Canadian Parliament