The word euthanasia what does it mean? The Oxford English dictionary states: The word euthanasia is a noun which is the practice of painless killing of a patient who has an incurable disease or who is in a reversible come. The word is of Greek origin, basically meaning ‘death’.
I would allege the word euthanasia means mercy killing. Who in this world, before God’s eyes, is really qualified to perform this act without a quilty conscience?
It is my understanding of the rules governing our country, is that euthanasia is against the law. Yet, not long ago, the B.C. Court of Appeals ruled in favour of allowing euthanasia to be practiced in British Columbia. For those who are not aware, the Government of Canada is challenging this ruling in the Supreme Court. I was always under the impression laws were made by the elected government of Canada. If this is correct, what right does the B.C. Court of Appeals have to change this law?
The B.C. Court of Appeals saw fit to pass the Euthanasia law, however, I have not observed the same court exhibiting the intestinal fortitude in attacking the Polygamy problem which exists in British Columbia. Now we find Premier Pauline Marios of Quebec, has struck a committee to study whether or not the practice of euthanasia should be allowed in the province of Quebec. I would question as to how many doctors are on this committee? We have learned more than 300 doctors from Quebec are petitioning the Quebec National Assembly to condemn such an act. I wish them well. Should such an act pass the National Assembly of Quebec, will Premier Marios et al make it mandatory for physicians to end peoples’ lives when requested? I would not trust the present Quebec government not to legislate it so. If so, it would appear to harbour on communism. Would doctors be able to claim the Charter of Rights if they objected to such a practice? If the act should pass, I would suspect an exodus of physicians from Quebec to other parts of Canada.
We are well aware in the Netherlands one gets the impression the practice of euthanasia is somewhat abused. Physicians in that country are ending the lives of mildly deformed children, mentally depressed teenagers and seniors who they (doctors and maybe some family members) would not like to see around any longer for whatever reasons. It would appear many doctors of the Netherlands randomly terminate some patients’ lives without proper consultation with family members and other physicians. Is this sort of medical act not akin to murder? I would wonder. I am thankful I do not live in Holland. When I pass on, I want it to be natural, as I presume almost everyone else feels. I will endeavour to have control over my destiny and not leave it to some other person(s).
Is Canada a territory comprised of 13 different entities? The way some of the entities are making laws, it would appear there are not federal laws that are superior. It must be admitted each province and territory should have the power to pass their own local laws, such as building codes, driving and speed laws, but those laws affecting to right to live, human rights and freedom of speech should be under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
What gives those who have assumed the privilege to practice euthanasia any right to do so, legislation or not. The only persons entitled to end a person’s life should be judges in a proper court of law who may condemn a criminal, who has taken another one’s life by act of premeditated murder. It must never be forgotten euthanasia is ending a person’s life. I, along with countless other millions, would never want to have to assume that responsibility.
