Supporting rigorous end-of-life limits on euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada and around the world.
Since 2017, adults with terminal illness have had access to doctor-assisted death in Canada. That’s OK.
However, since 2021, disabled people have been singled out as the only people who, when they’re suicidal, can have their lives terminated by a doctor or nurse-practitioner even though they’re not otherwise dying. Suicide assistance is NOT a right that people with disabilities sought and fought for when creating the CRPD (United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). Rather, it’s a “big favour” that Canada has bestowed upon them in lieu of adequate assistance with housing, food, accommodations, employment opportunities, accessible transportation, mental health support, social respect and inclusion. It makes them uniquely vulnerable to pressure to end their lives when their life is inconvenient or too expensive. People with disabilities are experiencing pressure to kill themselves rather than being offered options to improve their lives, meaningful assistance or adequate accommodations that they deserve as equal citizens. That’s not OK.
Please explore the website to learn more.
I was put off by the way in which you referred to “the so-called ‘dying with dignity’ lobby.” Setting the two groups in opposition to each other is pointless and entirely unnecessary. It is quite possible for the same person to be in favour of living in dignity while that is still possible and then, when it isn’t possible any longer, to wish to die in dignity.
Thanks for the comment, MBrandis. Of course you are correct. In a world in which everyone is equally respected, supported and valued from birth to death, that’s the way it should be. But we don’t live in that world. People with disabilities struggle against innumerable barriers, elders are often warehoused in deplorable conditions, people who struggle with mental health issues may find themselves homeless all too easily. We chose the name “Living with Dignity” as a direct challenge to the wealthy organization that has controlled the conversation around assisted death, including relentless pushing against justified and needed limitations.
Are you connected with this group?
https://vivredignite.org/en/
Not yet. We reached out to them but have not received a response. We are delighted that they exist and are doing this important work in French, which we’re not equipped to do! Are you connected with them in any way?