Canadian Hospice criticized

Palliative Care Association changed vocabulary to preferred language of Right to Die lobby.

Alex Schadenberg

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition questions the direction of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) concerning their statement on Physician Assisted Dying that was approved by their Board of Directors - November 22, 2006.

The CHPCA appears to be asking for further consultation over the next two years from their membership concerning a new policy on euthanasia and assisted suicide. In the meantime they have established a set of principles that their membership is asked to consider in relation to these issues.

The document’s guidelines have been worded in a neutral manner. There is no way to indicate whether the CHPCA supports or opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, but rather it simply recognizes that it is currently illegal and health-care providers should have the right not to participate in such acts. Therefore the CHPCA appears to have changed their position to a neutral position until 2008 when they will once again review their position.

Even the title of their Policy Alert--Physician Assisted Dying (PAD) Issues Document-- represents a change in direction based on language. At the World Federation of Right to Die Societies international conference that was in Toronto - September 2006, there was a commitment by the Right to Die community to change the language in the debate concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide so their message would appeal to more people. The CHPCA has changed its language to the preferred language of the Right to Die lobby.

The CHPCA also states in its draft CHPCA statement: “However, despite access to high quality end-of-life care, a small number of Canadians may still choose to have control over their own death. As hospice palliative care practitioners, we will respect their right to choose and will not abandon them.”

When analyzing the reasons why the small number of Canadians may still choose to have “control over their own death,” it may be that if you respect their “right to choose” you are in fact abandoning

them. You are abandoning them to their fears, to their depression, to their family pressures, and to their existential questioning, rather than affirming them as a valued member of society. The draft CPHA statement is a direct threat to our most vulnerable members of society, who even question the value and dignity of their own life.

The primary concern lies with the inconsistency of the CHPCA position in  relation to their recommendations. They state: “Before

considering legalizing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, Canada has a responsibility to ensure that comprehensive, compassionate hospice palliative care is available to all, and that Canadians are aware of these services and how to access them.”

The position of the CHPCA should state: Until every single Canadian can be guaranteed quality end-of-life care, so that they have a legitimate choice to make, then we cannot start the debate on euthanasia and assisted suicide. And we are not there yet. And

we are a long way from being there. - www.LifeSiteNews.com