PHL281H1 Lecture : physician assisted suicide; euthanasia
Document Summary
Pulling the plug : now recognized to be legitimate, but can also be illegitimate. Passive voluntary euthanasia refusing life-sustaining treatment can be legitimate ex. Active involuntary euthanasia some cases are clearly wrong: murder controversy: compare treatment of pets [putting them down] or terminal sedation case of incompetence. Active voluntary euthanasia intense controversy in past 20 years: physician-assisted suicide, kevorkian, netherlands, current select committee on dying with dignity in quebec. Lamer and s. 15 s15 (1) every individuals is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protections and benefit of the law without discrimination s15 (2) allows for affirmative action programs. 2. there is an infringement of the right to equality the inequality is discriminatory: creates a disadvantage, blocks the disabled from a significant life choice which is important- whether you live or die. Slippery slope includes many stopping points: already allow for legal suicide, already allow for refusal of life-sustaining treatment.
