A protest against assisted suicide in Maryland in February. Canada’s bishops have written a letter to the Canadian government saying the killing of patients with mental-health challenges “reneges on the collective social responsibility to provide treatment, support, and hope.” (OSV News photo/Kevin J. Parks, Catholic Review)
In the letter released May 9, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says that by enabling or assisting in suicide for these patients it “reneges on our collective social responsibility to provide persons living with mental-health challenges with treatment, support and hope through therapeutic interventions.”
Lisa Rumpel’s book Arise Shine & Live: On Resilience, Faith, and Bipolar Disorder is a collection of reflections about living life with mental illness and the healing that is possible with time and faith. (Submitted photos)
By Nicholas Elbers Finishing a book is a major milestone for any writer, let alone someone who has struggled with mental illness throughout her life. B.C. Catholic columnist Lisa Rumpel has done just that. Drawing from her five years of B.C. Catholic columns, Rumpel’s book Arise Shine & Live: On Resilience, Faith, and Bipolar Disorder is a...
Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition speaks with listeners at a presentation at St. Nicholas. “Most people ask for euthanasia because they are going through a difficult time of life,” he said. (Nicholas Elbers photos)
By Nicholas Elbers Caring and compassion are the most effective solutions we have to combat the growing requests for Medical Assistance in Dying, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition Executive Director Alex Schadenberg told a large gathering at St. Nicholas Church in Langley. The presentation, entitled “How do we talk to our loved ones about euthanasia?,” unpacked the...
Richard Leskun says he was pressured repeatedly to put a do-not-resuscitate order on his wife Marilynn at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Then staff offered to euthanize her. (Contributed photos)
By Terry O’Neill Richard Leskun remained at his wife Marilynn’s side nearly 24 hours a day after she was admitted to Abbotsford Regional Hospital, the result of a fall from her wheelchair. Over the next several days Leskun found himself not only caring for his 71-year-old wife, but also fending off efforts by medical staff...
Fraser Health Authority documents received by The B.C. Catholic under a freedom-of-information request show the implementation of euthanasia caused “ethical dilemmas” for some care providers. A doctor who headed the authority’s palliative-care team resigned in protest. (Adobe)
By Terry O’Neill B.C.’s largest regional health authority has finally taken the wraps off unpublished documents showing the introduction of assisted suicide in Fraser Health Authority hospitals and residences sparked emotional concern and opposition among health-care staff. The documents, requested by The B.C. Catholic under a freedom-of-information request, show the implementation of euthanasia became “an...
