General

Reviving the euthanasia debate

Quebec doctors will reportedly recommend its legalization

The euthanasia debate appears likely to undergo a revival in the next few months. A report by the Quebec College of Physicians, which should be ready for release this fall, may recommend it be legalized and a private member’s bill by a Bloc MP is aimed at doing just that. The college is reportedly going to recommend that drug-induced assisted suicide be authorized in cases involving terminally ill patients in severe pain. Under the current law, helping someone commit suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. However, the last high-profile euthanasia case in the province resulted in the acquittal of Stephan Dufour. Dufour had been charged with helping his disabled uncle commit suicide.

The Gazette

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