Euthanasia ruling in Canada...

Canadian high court recently legalized Euthanasia. Canadians believe that although conserving a human life is precious, however, it is more important to protect the free will. The Standard council of Canada being the highest court removed a ban for doctor assisted suicide via unanimous voting. Hence, all mentally competent terminal patients in Canada now qualify for Euthanasia should they choose to exercise their legal right.

          This landmark judgement was inspired by the fate of two British Columbian female patients, namely Kay Carter and Gloria Taylor. Kay was suffering from degenerative spinal cord while Gloria was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. None of these patients survived to see the new Euthanasia ruling. Taylors appeal for right to death was rejected by court in 2012 and she dies soon afterwards. She had to travel to Switzerland to undergo a legal physician assisted suicide. Although none of the above patients were able to avail the benefit of new Canadian law on assisted suicide however, they very clearly influenced the new ruling and acted as catalysts in its formation.

          To conclude the spirit behind this Canadian ruling is summed up by the court in a statement reported in, The Record as 'by leaving people like Ms. Taylor to endure intolerable suffering, it impinges on their security of person.

          I personally agree and stand behind this rationale. I believe that every human being has the basic right to exercise some fundamental rights and right to die lies at the very core of these fundamental freedoms. This becomes even more important especially in today's era of advanced medical care where it is possible to survive some very painful conditions with the aid of medication. This is in stark contrast to medieval times when human beings were not required to endure such harsh and miserable medical conditions. Hence the legal systems all over the world need to acknowledge this evolved scenario and make provisions for it in the legal framework. Canadian can feel proud that they are among the fore runners in this arena and were able to visualize the pain of patients like Ms Taylor and allow for legal provisions which will serve as a sigh of relief for the patients suffering from terminal ailments going forward.