By Peter Oliver, Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan

The federal Justice Minister, Sean Fraser, and the Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, recently announced the government’s plans to indefinitely exclude euthanasia for people whose sole underlying condition is mental illness and its decision not to support Bill C-218.

The summary of Bill C-218 says, “This enactment amends the Criminal Code to provide that a mental disorder is not a grievous and irremediable medical condition for which a person could receive medical assistance in dying.” I guess we shall see whether the government’s version of “indefinitely exclude” will result in legislation as strongly worded as C-218.

Legalizing advanced requests for death

What is of significant concern in the communication about the government’s decision is that it has also signalled its intention to continue expanding access to euthanasia by legalizing advance requests for MAiD (medically-administered death).

The government announcement represents a small win for those who envision a future without euthanasia and a major win for those who are enthusiasts of medically-administered death.

Why?

First, because the rapid expansion of euthanasia in Canada is already unparalleled in any other country in the world!

Second, and more importantly, one of the greatest dangers we face with euthanasia expansion in Canada is the conflation of palliative care with euthanasia. Allowing advance requests for MAiD strongly support a shift toward blending the two.

They are NOT THE SAME!

A palliative approach to care says hope is not a contingent reality and it does not link hope to our capacity to control our future. Euthanasia says hope is contingent: if I can’t control what will happen to me, hope is just an empty promise.

At times like this, it is helpful to have witnesses who speak to our hope.

Amanda Achtman’s short film Remember to Love | Joan’s Story offers a beautiful testament to Christian hope. Joan, who lives with dementia, is visited by her daughter Jill a couple of times a week. Jill’s accompaniment is sprinkled with laughter and warmth, and Joan’s spirited responses inspire admiration.

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Peter Oliver is the Executive Director of the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan: chassk.ca

Catholic Saskatoon News is supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca.