It’s not often that debates in Parliament involve issues of life and death. But they are at the centre of the current debate on doctor-assisted dying. They are difficult issues that speak to our core values. Like the abortion debate a generation ago, opinions on the issue are deeply polarized.
But while only half the population may face the prospect of an unplanned pregnancy, all of us will one day die.
And our discomfort in talking about sexual matters pales in comparison to our aversion to talking about our own mortality. Discussing the end of life is still a deeply held taboo. It should come as no surprise then that the issue has not been an easy one for politicians.
The Supreme Court paved the way for the debate by declaring laws prohibiting doctor-assisted suicide unconstitutional. The bill now under discussion didn’t incorporate many more controversial recommendations of a parliamentary committee that studied the issue.
The government’s justice and health ministers have defended it as a moderate first step, with room for potential changes. That position is likely one supported by the majority of Canadians.
Issues like allowing doctor-assisted suicide for “mature” minors and for those suffering mental illness are incredibly complex and likely need further study.
Deciding when and how it is OK to help end a life should be a hard discussion. It is difficult to fault the government for taking a cautious approach.
Also needed is a broader conversation about how we treat those at the end of life, including ways to make their remaining days as comfortable as possible. That is at least as important as debating ways to end them.
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
