Physician-assisted suicide: links to a number of statements and reports following the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada

Friday, February 13, 2015

Following the decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, February 6, 2015, a number of reactions and statements expressed disappointment and shared the concerns of the Bishops of Canada on physician-assisted suicide. Among the statements by Bishops commenting on the decision was the response by the Most Reverend Paul-André Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB). On behalf of his brother Bishops, he appealed again to the “provincial and territorial governments to ensure good-quality palliative care in all their jurisdictions. We also urge governments and professional associations to implement policies and guidelines which ensure respect for the freedom of conscience of all health-care workers as well as administrators who will not and cannot accept suicide as a medical solution to pain and suffering.”

Several Catholic organizations, as well as other groups involved in health care issues, have also spoken out, including the Catholic Organization for Life and Family (COLF) and the Living with Dignity network. The decision of the Supreme Court was widely covered by secular and religious media, some of which were very critical of the judgment.

Links to statements and an overview of some negative criticisms in the media (PDF)