Quote:
Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington
I can see nothing in the article which allows a doctor to opt out of euthanising people.
This would go against the grain for some doctors who hold firm religios beliefs.
And what happens to the Hippocratic Oath?
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The Supreme Court of Canada rules only on matters law ... in this case probably the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The sentence, "This is cruel.", is significant because the Charter does state quite clearly that Canadians shall not be subject to cruel and unusual punishment. Individual doctors will, of course, still be free to act as their consciences dictate. It's the same with abortion over here. We have no abortion laws, period. Doctors are not obliged to perform them, or to refer a woman to a doctor who will. There are, however, groups who will counsel a patient and refer her to a physician. All the court has done is to assert the right of Canadians to doctor assisted suicide. Significantly, all nine justices were in favour. It's up to each Province to decide how it is going to handle the ruling. Quebec, which tends to be very progressive, is going the following route:
Quebec MDs to get euthanasia guide to prepare for legalized assisted death - Montreal - CBC News
Just a note: Our Supreme Court is not like the American version. The position of Supreme Court Justice is not a political appointment ... except that all Canadian regions are represented.