Canada’s House of Commons has rejected a Bloc Québécois MP’s legislation to permit assisted suicide under strict conditions.
Bill C-384 was defeated Wednesday afternoon on second reading by a 228-59 margin.
The bill would have allowed doctors to avoid murder and manslaughter charges for helping terminally ill people or those in severe chronic pain to die.
Francine Lalonde, an east Montreal member of Parliament, introduced the measure. It was supported by most of her caucus and a sprinkling of MPs from the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP, because party leaders allowed a free vote.
The bill stipulated that a physician could help someone to “die with dignity” provided nine conditions were met, including that the person was 18 or older, suffered from a terminal illness or unrelenting physical or mental pain, had made two written requests to die at least 10 days apart, and had their diagnosis confirmed by a second doctor.
How ridiculous that a politician, or anyone else, should decide these matters for individuals. Clearly an infringement on personal rights and choices.