432-00428 Justice
Arnold Viersen
Doctors,Freedom of conscience and religion,Hospitals,Medical assistance in dying
PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED
  
    WE, THE UNDERSIGNED RESIDENTS OF CANADA, draw the attention of the House to the following:
    THAT coercion, intimidation or other forms of pressure intended to force physicians and health institutions to become parties in assisted suicide or euthanasia is a violation of fundamental freedoms of conscience;
    THAT during testimony at the Special Joint Committee for Physician Assisted Dying, witnesses stated that the protection of conscience should be included in the government's legislative response to Carter v Canada (AG);
    THAT the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) confirmed that conscience protection for physicians would not affect access assisted suicide or euthanasia because 30% of physicians (24,000) would be willing to do it;
    THAT s.2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of conscience and freedom of religion;
    THEREFORE your petitioners call upon the Parliament of Canada to enshrine in the Criminal Code the protection of conscience for physicians and health care institutions from coercion or intimidation to provide or refer for assisted suicide or euthanasia.