60% favour legalization?

Another Globe article (Michael Valpy, Sept. 28) estimated that, at the moment, 60% of Canadians favour the legalization of assisted suicide. This figure is based on earlier polls. A professor of law at York University's Osgoode Hall pointed out that there has been no "robust public discussion on ... what constitutes a good death."

Another author, Arthur Schafer, an ethicist at the University of Manitoba and a long-time promoter of legal euthanasia, was also given space in the Globe to push the view that the Canadian Parliament should take a look at the "Death with Dignity Act" in Oregon (1997). He saw it as a useful guide for Canadian legislators in drawing up guidelines to assist those who need help in dying at a time of their choosing (Sept. 29). Meanwhile, in British Columbia, Evelyn Martens claims that there is overwhelming support for physician-assisted suicide; she hoped the dismissal of charges against her would set a legal precedent (Toronto Star, October 12, 2004).

Comment

This is the time for clergy, bishops, and laity to publicly oppose euthanasia and provide clear instruction on the Catholic position about euthanasia and assisted suicide. They should not wait until the legislation is introduced because then it will be too late. Christians cannot be timid on this issue. We must respond frequently, including letters to the editor, and bring our numerical weight to bear on this subject of such grave consequences to Canadians.