Success: Assisted Dying Law Passed

Target: George Furey, speaker of the Canadian Senate

Goal: Applaud the passing of a law that allows people with terminal illnesses to qualify for doctor-assisted death in Canada.

Thanks in part to petitions like ForceChange’s Legalize Doctor-Assisted Suicide, the Canadian Senate voted to pass legislation that allows people with terminal illnesses to qualify for doctor-assisted death. Now, people will have a choice when it comes to dealing with terminal illnesses.

The law also incorporated some amendments, including presenting palliative care options to patients, completing an independent review of assisted suicide within two years, and adding more reporting requirements for the health minister.

The Canadian Supreme Court recently struck down a ban on doctor-assisted suicide, calling it unconstitutional. This new legislation was the next step to be taken after the court’s ruling.

Although some were pushing for doctor-assisted suicide to also be available to those with non-terminal illnesses such as chronic pain, this is still a positive step in the right direction. Applaud the Canadian Senate for helping people to live and end their lives as they please.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Speaker Furey,

I am writing to applaud the Canadian Senate for passing legislation that legalizes doctor-assisted death for people suffering from terminal illnesses. This has been a controversial issue, but the Senate finally took a step in the right direction by enacting this legislation.

It’s vital that people are able to make their own decisions about how they live and die, especially when they are suffering. I hope Canada continues to make progress on these issues, and thank the Senate for its work.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Rick Kimpel