The Euthanasia Debate in Canada
Bloc Quebecois MP Francine Lalonde’s private member’s “right-to-die” bill, tabled in May 2009, now seems to be prompting a debate on the topic of euthanasia in the province of Quebec where the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec have come out supporting the legalization of euthanasia and calling for a discussion of the topic based on polling results of its membership,
Of 2,025 medical specialists who answered a poll on the subject, 75 per cent said they were “certainly” or “probably” in favour of legalizing euthanasia, as long as the practice were strictly regulated.
The president of the federation of medical specialists, Dr. Gaétan Barrette, said doctors already see some form of euthanasia in the course of their work.
“Eighty one per cent of doctors do see the practice of euthanasia given the circumstances in their practice,” Barrette said. “They hear their patients, they see their patients, asking for it.”
October 14, 2009 16 Comments
