Twenty-two years ago, the Supreme Court of Canada told Sue Rodriguez, who had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) just a few years earlier, that she had no right to take her have a doctor’s assistance in taking her own life. This February, the Supreme Court, led by Judge Lynn Smith (former Dean of UBC) reversed that ruling by allowing for doctor-assisted suicide in some cases. A few weeks ago, Bowen Islanders attending the AGORA Forum at the Gallery at Artisan Square heard about the case, and discussed the issue, under the guidance and moderation of Provincial Court Judge Judi Gedye.
“I feel this is really a Bowen topic,” says AGORA Forum organizer, Hans Behm. “Especially since Mrs. Jillian Bennett took her own life here. But before that even, I think Sue Rodriguez’s fight is something many of us remember and for me at least, is her question – if it’s not my body, whose is it? – it rings in my ears.”
Behm adds that for him, the experience of volunteering with palliative care patients at Lion’s Gate Hospital for 10 years has convinced him that in so many cases where people are in desperate situations, regulations and fear of law suits leaves people in need as good as forgotten.
The discussion participants, Behm says, all entered into the conversation cautiously, none with a strong or forceful opinion about the legality of assisted suicide. He adds that many practical points, such as the availability of a representation agreement (through which you can appoint a loved one to take-over decision-making for you should you be unable to make those decisions yourself) at Caring Circle, or the fact that if you have a “Do not recussitate order” it should be posted clearly on your fridge, where a paramedic might actually find it.
“The beauty of our conversation was that so many subjects were touched upon,” says Behm. “But in the end we found consensus, that we must go forward with the legalization of assisted suicide.”
Behm says he looks forward to one further discussion, on state of democracy in Canada, and then will take a break from hosting these forums at least until the fall.
