Urgent: Help us protect the right to die with dignity

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Published on Thursday, 16 January 2020 08:44

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Can you help us protect the right to die with dignity?

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Dear friends and supporters,

This week, the federal government launched a consultation process to make changes to Canada’s law on medical assistance in dying (MAID).

Along with Julia Lamb, we’re meeting with government officials today as part of a roundtable of experts and key stakeholders.

We are calling on the federal government to uphold the rights of seriously and incurably ill people.

Can you help us protect the right to die with dignity by completing the government questionnaire?

Read our blog for key points to consider as you fill out the questionnaire.

While the current MAID law requires an individual to be near-death in order to be eligible for MAID, the government has now accepted that the near-death requirement must be removed. Indeed, this unconstitutional barrier has prevented people with chronic, degenerative conditions from accessing MAID.

However, now they’re considering whether to add new, potentially unconstitutional hurdles to MAID.

The existing MAID law already has layers of safeguards that place strict limits on who can access MAID. These safeguards provide strong protection, even after eligibility is broadened to include individuals who are not near death.

If we all speak up, we can win this fight. Take action now by filling out the questionnaire.

Canada’s experience shows that the MAID law is safely and responsibly implemented by medical practitioners. We hope you will stand with us to ensure that any changes to the existing law protect the right to die with dignity and ensure that MAID remains a patient’s right and choice.

Sincerely,

Grace Pastine
Litigation Director

Jessica Magonet
Litigation Staff Lawyer

BC Civil Liberties Association
Tel: 604.687.2919
Toll-free: 855.556.3566
www.bccla.org

306-268 Keefer Street
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