Laws banning assisted suicide infringe on charter rights: B.C. Supreme Court

[evewithanapple]

A B.C. Supreme Court has ruled the laws banning doctor-assisted suicide are unconstitutional.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Lynn Smith declared the laws invalid, but also suspended her ruling for one year to give Parliament time to draft legislation with her ruling in mind.

Smith also granted Gloria Taylor an exemption in her ruling, allowing the ailing

Comments

[erinlyn98]

I never really had any opinions on this issue until I watched my aunt die a SLOW and PAINFUL death. I am all for this to finally be legal. She suffered terribly in the end, and so did my family. It was the most horrible things I ever went through. We can euthanize our pets, but we can't allow someone that is terminal the option to die peacefully and on their terms. It boggles the mind.

[thecityofdis]

I feel you. This is one of those issues I can't even have a calm, rational discussion with people about.

Like, oh, you're against it? Go fuck yourself.

[luminescnece]

Preeeeeety much with you here.

[sesmo]

I hope this becomes legal everywhere. Forcing people to literally starve themselves to death, rather than allowing them to pass in their sleep is fucked up.

[darth_eldritch]

It's cruel beyond belief.

[gloraelin]

This is the MASSIVE problem I have with withdrawing people from life support, if said support involves feedings and liquid. Forcing someone to die of thirst or starvation is... it's inhumane. We fucking treat our PETS better than our people.

[gloraelin]

And, I have to note, that I bear a deep-seated hatred towards my mother for allowing her father to starve to death, and then saying it was "for the best."

[kitanabychoice]

I'm definitely for PAS. I recently took an ethics class that posed several theories and questions about this but, ultimately, I think it's unfair for force people to suffer. I think terminally ill should be allowed to make their own decisions about the end of their life without pressure or scorn.

My mom died from pancreatic cancer almost six months to the day of her diagnosis. Up until her last day, she was in pain that not even liquid methadone could ease. I don't know if she would've wanted PAS, but I would've wanted her to at least have the option to choose it.

[lux_roark]

When I was 16-25 I was anti-PAS. I had just lost my mother to suicide at 16, so it was a raw nerve that was being hit when I saw people supporting it. I don't think people should have to suffer now though, it's not fair for us to legislate that.

[tala_nahimana]

*uber hugs* :-( I'm so sorry, hon. I can see why it would be a touchy subject for you for so long.

[tala_nahimana]

SMFH People should not be forced to endure a painful, debilitating illness just because people want to act like the very idea of letting someone choose to die is such a bad thing. Why shouldn't people have the choice to die? Why should they be forced into a long, slow, painful death rather than deciding that they would rather not suffer and to die with dignity

[sitakhet]

Alzheimer's is just...my grandmaman was to the point where she could not remember her children - she was barely alive, just a shell. My parents wouldn't let me visit her, because it's just painful to watch.