October 14, 2010 – The Catholic Civil Rights League has sent a submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care, an all-party committee established to research and develop better palliative care across Canada through hearings and written briefs. The committee was created after the failure of Bill C-384.

In its submission, the League pointed out that much of the pressure for liberalized laws on euthanasia and assisted suicide is driven by concerns about lack of reliable pain management and other comfort care at the end of life, and more general concerns about being burdensome to family and friends. Improvements in palliative care, the League stated, would address many of these concerns. Such improvements would also raise few issues for religious and conscientious freedom, while an option for taking direct steps to end life raises many, some of which would fall on already stressed family members.

“We therefore urge the federal government not only to keep euthanasia and assisted suicide illegal, but also to work with provincial ministries of health to promote the development of good palliative care, including improvements in home-based care and support for families” the League said.

Link to our complete submission.

About CCRL
 
Catholic Civil Rights League (www.ccrl.ca) assists in creating conditions within which Catholic teachings can be better understood, cooperates with other organizations in defending civil rights in Canada, and opposes defamation and discrimination against Catholics on the basis of their beliefs. CCRL was founded in 1985 as an independent lay organization and has chapters across Canada. The Catholic Civil Rights League is a Canadian non-profit organization entirely supported by the generosity of its members.

For further information: Joanne McGarry, Executive Director, 416-466-8244; joanne.mcgarry@ccrl.ca