"Whatever proportions these crimes finally assumed, it became evident to all who investigated them that they had started from small beginnings. The beginnings at first were merely a subtle shift in emphasis in basic attitude, basic in the euthanasia movement, that there is such a thing as a life not worthy to be lived." (Dr. Leo Alexander, medical advisor at the Nuremburg trials NEJM July 1949) Friday 6th February, Ottawa Canada. The full bench of the Supreme Court of Canada, in the long running case of Carter vs Canada, returned a unanimous decision on appeal that strikes at the heart of the fundamental protections of life, particularly for people in the community whom, for whatever reason are already socially devalued.The Court has directed the Ottawa Government to deal with their judgement by way of legislation within 12 months.Head of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, Alex Schadenberg said today that, 'The Supreme Court is naïve to think that assisted suicide will not be abused, when abuse already occurs.' Continue reading

By Hugh Scher, Legal Counsel - Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Article first appeared on Alex Schadenberg's BlogQuébec's landmark law allowing euthanasia contravenes Canadian criminal homicide laws and represents a dangerous step towards a patchwork quilt of provincial regulation of serious criminal conduct, which is why the issue must be handled federally, says Toronto health, human rights and constitutional lawyer Hugh Scher. Continue reading

This article was originally published by Public Discourse on October 16, 2014 and reposted from Alex Schadenberg's Blog. For both principled and practical reasons, the Supreme Court of Canada should maintain the country's legal ban on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.By John Keown Continue reading

Media Release from The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Canada on the eve of the court case challenging the validity of the Quebec Parliament's euthanasia law. On October 15, the Supreme Court is hearing a case concerning Canada's laws related to euthanasia and assisted suicide. Many Canadians are concerned about whether the laws designed to protect their lives will be upheld by the Supreme Court.The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition has intervened in this case at every level. Continue reading

By CATHERINE FRAZEE, former chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission. first published in the Canadian Chronicle Herald Today (Oct. 15), the Supreme Court of Canada will hear argument in an appeal which seeks to strike down Canada's Criminal Code prohibition against assisting suicide.The appeal is mobilized by the B.C. Civil Liberties Association and supported by Death with Dignity advocates across the country, many of whom will take to the streets to urge Canadians to "stand on the side of history for assisted dying." Continue reading

This article is crossposted from MercatornetBY MARGARET SOMERVILLE Many know the saying "You have to fish or cut bait". Many fewer know the law's equivalent, "You can't approbate and reprobate". But the Canadian Medical Association's recent dealing with their 2007 Policy on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide makes it seem they are unaware of the warning and wisdom these axioms communicate.That CMA policy unambiguously declares: "Canadian physicians should not participate in euthanasia or assisted suicide." Despite that, a motion passed at the recent CMA General Council meeting, which ostensibly was meant only to ensure freedom of conscience, has allowed the CMA to make the following statement in its intervener factum in the upcoming appeal in the Supreme Court of Canada in the Carter case: Continue reading

By Paul Russell: After holding the line against euthanasia and assisted suicide and re-affirming opposition to it as recently as August 2013 the Canadian Medical Association rolled over and played dead earlier this month in the wake of the passage of euthanasia legislation in the Province of Quebec.To be fair, the CMA Annual General meeting did re-affirm its earlier statement on euthanasia and assisted suicide but also debated and passed the following motion that supports: Continue reading

The CMA consultation report determined that 71.5% agreed with the current CMA policy on euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Death, 25.8% disagreed with its current position and 2.6% were unsure. By Alex Schadenberg Executive Director: Euthanasia Prevention CoalitionThe Canadian Medical Association (CMA) published the results of its online poll and it national dialogue concerning euthanasia, assisted suicide and end-of-life care. Continue reading

  This excellent article about the volta face of euthanasia pioneers from support to downright opposition written by Licia Corbella and published in the Calgary Herald.Why euthanasia pioneers are changing their minds. Continue reading

  The recently-passed Bill 52 of the Quebec legislature that legalised euthanasia will be challenged in the Canadian Courts.Alex Schadenberg Reports: Continue reading