The family of Samuel Golubchuk, an 84-year-old orthodox Jewish man in Winnipeg, is fighting to save his life. On Nov. 30, Golubchuk’s family was told by doctors at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg that they were going to remove the respirator, fluids and food from him. The family acted by initiating an injunction against the hospital to ensure he would continue to live. [...]
Twenty-year-old Amanda Phillips is an example of what a young woman can accomplish when she sets her heart on serving Canada’s unborn. She is an office assistant with Alberta Pro-Life, which describes itself as “a province-wide group which works to educate and motivate Albertans on life issues, most notably abortion and euthanasia.” She is also the ministry co-ordinator for The Back Porch, [...]
Broad coalitions stem the tide of euthanasia Amidst the presentations at the First International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide in Toronto Nov. 30-Dec. 1 were three speakers who spoke about the successful attempts by those opposed to the practice to halt the passage of laws legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide in England, California and Vermont. They were represented by Dr. Bill [...]
The first International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide held in Toronto Nov. 30-Dec. 1 hosted numerous informative speakers on the subject. However, the most poignant testimonials came from those who spoke from personal experience, those whose lives bore the wounds inflicted by the culture of death mentality. Alison Davis, from the United Kingdom, was one such speaker. A disabled activist, she [...]
Disabilities rights groups cheer decision, vow to continue fight Robert Latimer, who is serving a life-sentence in the second-degree murder of his daughter Tracy in September 1993, has been denied early parole by a three-member panel of the National Parole Board. He had applied for day parole after serving seven years of the 10-year mandatory minimum sentence that is associated with second-degree [...]
On Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is holding the First International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, which will take place at the Four Points by Sheraton - Toronto Airport Hotel. Most of the leaders of groups that oppose the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide will be speaking at this Symposium, including Bobby Schindler, the brother of [...]
Editor’s Note: The following is an interview with Diane Coleman, founder of the disability rights group Not Dead Yet, by Alex Schadenberg, executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Not Dead Yet is a co-sponsor of the upcoming International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide that is entitled: Current Issues – Future Directions. The International Symposium, Nov. 30–Dec. 1, is being organized [...]
Head of Vermont Alliance for Ethical Health Care talks with The Interim Editor’s Note: Euthanasia Prevention Coalition executive director Alex Schadenberg interviewed Dr. Bob Orr, president of the Vermont Alliance for Ethical Health Care, for The Interim. On March 21, 2007, the Vermont Legislature rejected Bill H. 44, which if passed would have legalized assisted suicide in Vermont. The bill was defeated [...]
The Canadian Medical A ssociation released a new ethics statement concerning euthanasia and assisted suicide on May 29 that re-affirmed the CMA's opposition to these practices and asks its membership to uphold the principles of palliative care. The policy summary includes definitions of euthanasia and assisted suicide, background information, basic medical ethical principles and physician concerns about legalization of euthanasia and assisted [...]
On June 21, the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition received a request from a supporter in Nova Scotia, asking us to read the obituary in the Halifax Chronicle Herald newspaper for an Elizabeth MacDonald. The obituary stated that MacDonald, who had multiple sclerosis, died on June 8 in Switzerland at the Dignitas assisted suicide clinic. The obituary specifically thanked Ludwig Minelli and the members [...]
As a young man, Alex Schadenberg travelled the country promoting the culture of life. His parents, Harry and Mary Schadenberg, were pioneers in Canada’s pro-life movement. During his first year of university, Alex was elected the national youth president of the Canadian Youth Pro-Life Organization. In giving his talks across the country, he rubbed shoulders with Canada’s pro-lifers from all walks of [...]
A report entitled “End-of Life Practices in the Netherlands under the Euthanasia Act” was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 10. The media are claiming that the report states euthanasia in the Netherlands has dropped since its legalization in 2002. When reading the actual report, however, we learn of a different reality than that presented in the media. [...]
For the third time in as many years, a Quebecker has made headlines by assisting in the suicide of a sick loved one. Stephen Dufour, 29, was arrested after police investigated the death of his uncle, Chantal Maltais who suffered from, depending on the news source, either polio or muscular dystrophy. Maltais was confined to a wheel chair and his nephew assisted [...]
Pro-life activist and executive director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, Alex Schadenberg, was a featured speaker at the recent Catholic Women’s League convention for the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. He warned of the dangers of legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide. Evelyn Theriault, the outgoing CWL diocesan president, told The Interim that, “For many of us, euthanasia is something that we are [...]
The Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a statement clarifying the church’s position on euthanasia and assisted suicide. It is also calling on Catholics to question politicians about their stands on the issue. “Catholics, like all other citizens, have the right and duty to participate in the political processes of our democracy,” the bishops state. “Our elected representatives should be questioned [...]