Quebec tables bill on medically assisted death

The Quebec government today tabled its controversial bill on medically assisted death.

Social Services Minister Véronique Hivon's introduction of bill 52 around 10 a.m. ET Wednesday received a standing ovation from fellow members of the national assembly.

Hivon said she was honoured to introduce the bill, saying “this legislation is intended for people at the end of their life to die with autonomy and dignity.”

After Hivon introduced the bill at the national assembly, Quebec government house leader Stéphane Bédard underlined the importance of a non-partisan approach to the topic of end of life.

"Our desire is quite simple. We want to make the debate something all of society can engage in. A non-partisan issue," he said.

"I believe we are capable of holding this debate at this time. Society is ready for it."

Quebec, U.S. death approaches would differ

At a news conference after the bill was tabled, Hivon spoke at length about its mechanics.

She explained Quebec's bill on medical aid to die is different from what is being done in the four U.S. states that have legalized assisted suicide.

People in Vermont, Oregon, Washington and Montana can have a doctor write a prescription for a lethal dose of medication. They can fill the prescription and take the medication at their own discretion.

If Quebec's proposed legislation gets adopted in the fall session of the national assembly, a doctor who receives the repeated consent of a patient could administer medication to cause death.

Hivon said this differs from palliative sedation, which is already legal in Quebec — patients on the cusp of death can be put into a medically induced coma, and have equipment such as a feeding tube and respirator removed.

She also said Quebec residents need a valid provincial Medicare card to receive medical aid to die.

Hivon explained that the reason for going with medical aid to die and not assisted suicide is one of compassion, saying the language in the bill is to prevent leaving a terminally ill person to die alone.

The bill is a response to some Quebecers' desire to die quickly.

"People want to live, and people want to live as long as they can. As long as their suffering is bearable, they want to live," Hivon said.

"Most people want palliative care, but for the exceptional cases, we need to have an answer."

(Published by CBC - June 12, 2013)