Dear Friend,

The notion that human life is invaluable – from conception to natural death – is being questioned increasingly by Canadians. Since it was legalized in June 2016, more than 13,000 Canadians have ended their lives through doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia.
 
Sadly, there is growing acceptance of the view that life is depreciable and expendable – that it is worth “less” – under certain circumstances. A national EFC poll in 2019 found that 38% of Canadians now agree that people experiencing chronic mental illness should be eligible for doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia, while 39% thought mature minors should also have access.
 
The EFC continues to assert that doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia – now euphemistically referred to as “medical assistance in dying” (MAiD) – undermines our commitment as a society to preserve and protect life, to affirm dignity in life even amidst suffering, and to care for the vulnerable. We strongly opposed the legalization of these and fought successfully, together with others, to have tighter restrictions and safeguards put in place.
 
The law currently limits “MAiD” to competent, consenting adults who are in an advanced state of irreversible decline and whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable.
 
These restrictions provide important safeguards to protect our society’s most vulnerable members. They are crucial because widespread discrimination and systemic stigmatization – rooted in prejudice and ignorance – still exist. Too often, those living with chronic conditions or disabilities receive messages that their lives are less worth living; that loss of autonomy and independence in life is a fate worse than death; and sometimes even that people living with such limitations would be “better off dead.” For persons with disabilities, the requirement that death be reasonably foreseeable affirms that their lives are valuable – that they are worth caring for. The restriction ensures equal treatment and does not place them at a disadvantage.
 
Without the requirement that a person must be nearing death to qualify for doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia, people vulnerable to such stigma and pressures would be at even greater risk of harm from coercion and abuse. In moments of isolation, discouragement or weakness, undue influence from an overburdened medical system, subtle pressures, or familial/societal expectations could lead vulnerable individuals to consider or be coerced into ending their lives even though they are not near death. Those who depend on others for care and support may fear becoming a physical, emotional and/or financial burden and may be pressured to choose assisted suicide, even though their conditions are non-terminal.
 
End of life situations are incredibly emotional and difficult, and can also be very complex. We respect the difficulties faced by individuals and their loved ones, and have compassion for them.
 
Unfortunately, growing societal pressure to advance “right to die” issues has eclipsed all “right to life” concerns – including putting much-needed resources toward ensuring access to life-affirming treatments and supportive care for those who are living with illness or disability or facing a terminal diagnosis. It should not be easier to obtain assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada than it is to obtain good quality palliative care and support.
 
Last fall, the Superior Court of Quebec ruled that limiting “MAiD” access only to people who are near the end of life was unconstitutional. The provincial and federal governments decided not to appeal this decision.
 
In late February, the federal government introduced Bill C-7 in response to the Quebec ruling. The Bill proposes to repeal the requirement that a person's natural death must be "reasonably foreseeable,” making it possible for those who are not terminally ill to have access to assisted suicide and euthanasia.
 
This means adults who may be suffering from any number of chronic, incurable, degenerative or progressive (but treatable) conditions would qualify. It’s unthinkable that assisted suicide and euthanasia be offered to these individuals!
 
Bill C-7 also proposes removing some key safeguards for people who are at the end of life, such as the 10-day waiting period between the time of the request and the assisted death, and the requirement that a person be able to consent just before being put to death. The ability to give consent at the time of euthanasia is a critical safeguard to prevent wrongful death, especially given that the research tells us that prior consent is not straightforward. Medical practitioners then, will bear an even greater burden in proceeding, being asked to play a larger role in deciding another human’s fate.
 
Current safeguards and eligibility requirements should be preserved, not eliminated. We are preparing to work with Parliament during the upcoming legislative proceedings as well as during the legislative review expected later this year. The review will also consider whether the law should allow advance requests, access for mature minors, and eligibility for persons suffering solely from mental illness. There is much at stake here. Please pray as we bring biblical principles to bear on public policy, that those most vulnerable will be protected and cared for.

We believe that expanding access to doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia will increase the risk of wrongful deaths and further undermine societal respect for life. We need to uphold the sanctity of human life and protect the vulnerable. And we are to do so knowing that we have a Saviour who suffered for the world and who was familiar with pain (Isaiah 53:3). Will you please make a generous gift today and help us to affirm and embrace the unconditional meaningfulness of life in all circumstances?

 
Bruce Clemenger
President

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