Canadian Euthanasia Debate

Bill C-384, a private members bill introduced into the Canadian Parliament is coming up for a vote on November 18th. Advocates of the pro-euthanasia camp are starting to ramp up the publicity in advance of this vote. Here are some examples. The Australian assisted suicide activist Philip Nitschke will be speaking at a Unitarian Church in Vancouver. Nitschke was denied use of a public library in Vancouver a few weeks ago. Nitschke is known for his role in developing the "Peaceful Pill" and his promotion of going to Mexico to purchase a veterinary euthanasia pill. Link: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Vancouver+church+hosts+right+doctor/2142389/story.html An article in the Ottawa Citizen indicates that the police do not intend to prosecute William Melchert-Dinkel, the man who has confessed to abeting and counseling Nadia Kajouji (18) and at least 4 others to commit suicide. Link: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Police+charge+encouraging+suicide/2142330/story.html An excellent article was written about the pressure in Quebec to legalize euthanasia by Dr. Manual Borod, the director of palliative care of the McGill University Health Centre. The link: http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/Euthanasia+never/2140927/story.html For more information on this important topic, visit the website of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition at: www.euthanasiaprevention.on.ca Let us pray that our Catholic leaders, lay, priests and bishops will actively, forcefully and publicly will join this debate in both the real and virtual arenas.