Assisted death questions

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The Federal government introduced a new and controversial law today spelling out the conditions in which seriously ill or dying Canadians may seek medical help to end their lives. Provincial officials are paying close attention to this story as well and the ministers in Kathleen Wynne’s government aren’t saying much about the proposed legislation as they are still looking at it but they are saying that they have legislation ready to go.

The health care community has also spent the day researching the new legislation trying to determine what it will mean for them. Minister Philpott says the new legislation will allow doctors and nurse practitioners to provide assisted death without risk of criminal charges. It also takes into account doctor’s personal beliefs on the subject.

Doctor Brett Belchetz says the government’s wording in the bill is too vague making it difficult to feel safe practicing assisted death. He’s specifically concerned with the government saying eligable patients must have a “reasonably foreseeable” death .

The Federal government plans to work with the province to co-ordinate both end of life care and to connect patients with doctors who are willing to help them die.