Letter: Canada should decriminalize euthanasia

It is a bold step by Quebec’s legislators to decriminalize euthanasia, or assisted suicide, confirming the right of a terminally ill patient to determine the time and manner of their death.

Opponents of this legislation adhere to their religious belief that life is a sacred gift from God and no one has the right to end their own life under any circumstances, be it for mercy or compassion, and society must make every effort to protect life.

Many countries have decriminalized euthanasia. Canada should follow Quebec’s lead and do the same for the entire country. Safeguards must be put in place to control this practice, ensuring there is no abuse of the system or misuse of euthanasia.

Strangely, suicide is not a crime, but physician-assisted suicide to alleviate the suffering of a terminally ill person is regarded as an offence. This needs to be changed.

Under extremely unbearable conditions, people should have the right to choose death. The law of the land should honour the rights and wishes of the person concerned through legalized euthanasia.

Mohammad Ashrraf
Winnipeg, Manitoba