The Parti Quebecois intends to table a bill sometime this year to allow what it calls “medical aid in dying.” The bill would permit doctors to intentionally end the life of a patient under certain conditions. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Canada under the Criminal Code but the PQ will argue this is a health-care matter, placing it under provincial jurisdiction.
The protest, called the Springtime March, began on the Plains of Abraham and was preceded by speeches from people representing several groups that oppose euthanasia. In addition to the Quebec Church, opponents to the proposed bill include Quebec doctors, lawyers, academics and groups representing the disabled that spoke passionately about the need to protect life.
“The proposals under consideration put each of us at risk, especially those who are made vulnerable because of a society that views their lives in a devalued way or as having little or no value,” said Hugh Scher of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.
Scher pointed to the examples of Holland and Belgium, where euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal, and where there have been several instances of abuse.
“It would be extremely dangerous if these same biases and abuses are allowed to happen here in Quebec in the event that the law is changed,” he said. “This threat and these risks require us to rise up and to express a message grave and clear to all, that euthanasia and assisted suicide should never be permitted here in Quebec or in Canada.”
Retired lawyer Michel Racicot suggested the government is manipulating the term “dying with dignity” to push a euthanasia agenda. He also argued that the province has no jurisdiction in this area and therefore is “disguising” its agenda as a health-care issue.
“Euthanasia and assisted suicide are elements of the Criminal Code and hence in federal jurisdiction,” he said.
“The Quebec government is trying to legislate euthanasia and assisted suicide by trying to qualify these things as providing care, which is not the case.
“This is a moral issue. It goes beyond any question of religion or faith.”
Amy Hasbrouck, representing an organization for the disabled called Not Dead Yet, said the disabled were particularly vulnerable under the proposed bill because disabilities create conditions to request euthanasia.
Rather than offering euthanasia as an option, she said people need access to better palliative care and home-based services. She also said society in general needs to eliminate disability discrimination.
“Our group is non-religious . . . we see this as a political issue,” Hasbrouck said. “Improving palliative care is a start, but ending disability discrimination is the ultimate goal.”
The marchers proceeded peacefully down Grande-Allée, Quebec City’s main street, chanting “killing is not care,” arriving at the National Assembly, where there were more speakers. The event was organized by an ad hoc group called Quebec Rally Against Euthanasia, headed by Dr. Claude Morin.
The event was supported by the Quebec Church. In addition to the archbishops of Quebec City and Montreal, marchers included Rimouski Bishop Paul-André Fournier, president of the Quebec Bishops’ Assembly, and Valleyfield Bishop Noël Simard, a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.