Suicide:
a right or a tragedy?
 |
| The Emperor has no clothes. |
The
answer to this question might seem obvious, but the government of Canada
apparently thinks that "both" is an appropriate answer. In one week, the
same MPs in the same House of Commons discussed recently introduced legislation
concerning assisted dying, while also holding an emergency debate on the rash of
suicides and suicide attempts in remote aboriginal communities. This is
absurd.
On
the one hand, we are justifiably concerned and dismayed over the alarming
suicide rates in aboriginal communities. And why shouldn't we be? It is tragic
that so many people, especially youth, wish to end their lives, deciding that
life is meaningless and not worth living.
How, then, can we as a society press for euthanasia and assisted suicide? Although some might think Bill C-14 seems quite reasonable in its approach, it opens a door which will only be forced open wider and prove difficult to close. Already, protests are mounting, stating that the proposed legislation does not go far enough.
How, then, can we as a society press for euthanasia and assisted suicide? Although some might think Bill C-14 seems quite reasonable in its approach, it opens a door which will only be forced open wider and prove difficult to close. Already, protests are mounting, stating that the proposed legislation does not go far enough.
Legalizing
assisted suicide means entering a state in which human life is devalued and
demeaned. It is disingenuous for our country to mourn the tragedy of aboriginal
suicide victims, thus upholding the value of human life, while also pushing for
assisted suicide and euthanasia, which devalue and demean life. Our response of
concern and compassion to the situations in communities like Attawapiskat should
also be our response to disability and terminal illness. Real medicine
alleviates suffering instead of eliminating sufferers. This is what we want for
Attawapiskat. Shouldn't we also want the same for the rest of society?
Notably,
Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette, who is also aboriginal, has questioned the
impact of assisted suicide, stating that "once we make a decision on this,
there will be no going back." We regard the suicides in aboriginal communities
(and elsewhere) as a tragedy. How is it possible that we are also attempting to
claim access to suicide as a right?
Jonathan
Van Schepen
Coaldale