SCOC considers the right to die

The right to die has been one of the most contentious issues debated in Canada for the past two decades. And now the Supreme Court is once again hearing arguments that could see terminally ill patients gain the right to doctor-assisted suicides.

Dr. Donald Low, Microbiologist: “There’s no way in Canada, no place in Canada where you can have support to have dying with dignity.”

Before his death in 2013, Dr. Donald Low was slowly losing the ability to connect with family. Helpless to the brain tumor that would kill him. Today his widow is supporting a choice that her husband couldn’t make.

Maureen Taylor, Don’s widow: “I do it because I don’t think other people should have to go through what Don had to go through.”

This rally in downtown Toronto was in support of a case being heard today by the Supreme Court. The B.C Civil Liberties Association is arguing in favour of terminally ill patients, who are mentally competent, being allowed to take their own lives.

A case involving the right to die has appeared in front of the Supreme Court before — 20 years ago — and that was denied. But folks here are the landscape has since shifted.

In 1993 Sue Rodriguez, a woman suffering from ALS argued for her right to die. At the time, the government argued, and still does, that this would make for a slippery slope that could take the lives of societies most vulnerable. Steven Passmore, an activist for rights of the disabled says it’s much more dangerous.

Steven Passmore, disability activist: “It’s not a slope, it’s a cliff. And there’s a red light saying stop. Looking at what you’re about to do.”

Passmore suffers from cerebral palsy, and fears that choice could be taken from him: “I will no longer go and see my doctor because I am afraid that he will opt to kill me rather than to treat me.”

“Today is our day to make a difference.”

Living with aids for 30 years, Dr. Gregory Robinson fears that he will one day have to make the choice, and he wants the right to choose. He says we have evidence from Europe that show a better argument than we had 20 years ago. “Our fears in the past about why we shouldn’t do this, because the vulnerable may be preyed upon, are not true.

And that soon there could be a choice for those who desire it.

Maureen Taylor: “I’m just sure the Supreme Court is going to follow the wishes of the vast majority of Canadians and strike down the law against this. So I’m surprised and heartened, but I still miss my husband.”

A recent Ipsos Reid poll said 84 percent of the Canadian population is actually in favour of doctor-assisted suicide for the terminally ill. The last time this was argued in front of the Supreme Court was in 1993. The only justice who was there at that time, Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin was in favour of doctor-assisted suicide.