Supreme Court of Canada unanimously OKs some doctor-assisted suicides

[Newsjock]

Source: CBC News

People with grievous and irremediable medical conditions should have the right to ask a doctor to help them die, Canada's highest court has unanimously decided.

The Supreme Court says a law that makes it illegal for anyone to help a person commit suicide should be amended to allow doctors to help in specific situations.

The ruling only applies to competent adults with enduring, intolerable suffering who clearly consent to ending their lives.

The court has given federal and provincial governments 12 months to craft legislation to respond to the ruling, but the ban on doctor-assisted suicide stands until then. If the government doesn't write a new law, the current one will be struck down.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/doctor-assisted-suicide-allowed-by-supreme-court-in-specific-cases-1.2947487

[Spazito]

1. I am thrilled with the court's decsion, it was unanimous too...

Dying with dignity should be a human right and now it is in Canada.

The government should let the ruling stand and not try to write new law in order to circumvent this ruling.

[polly7]

2. This is such great news. nt.

[On_the_Left]

3. Support DID (Dying in Dignity)

Agree. This is good news for Canada. Now how about the USA? Everyone, especially the right(wrong) wingers, religious objectors and the young, need to witness first hand the suffering and pain that goes along with dying in many case. I know. I've seen it and it is unbearable to watch when a member of your family dies in that manner and there's little to nothing you can do to help alleviate their suffering. For those opposed, please visit a nursing home for the elderly and see for yourself even if you don't know anyone in that condition. Perhaps it will change your opposition and support legislation here in the USA for people to die in dignity.