For Maclean’s on July 18, 2017 It’s the most commonly cited phrase from the Hippocratic Oath, the binding document—one of the oldest in history—upon which physicians swear: “First, do no harm.” However, that four-word axiom doesn’t itself appear in the classical text of the pledge. Instead, there’s a promise to “apply dietetic
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Musings on Canadian Politics: Quebec at forefront of right-to-die movement
The Quebec National Assembly introduced a bill on Wednesday that will allow health professionals to use medical procedures to end the lives of patients near death who are suffering and want to end their lives. The legislation “is intended for people at the end of their life to die with
Continue readingThe Disaffected Lib: A Cautionary Tale – The Right to Die
Here’s something to think about. A few days ago I experienced, first-hand, the death of a dear friend. He had been in decline for several months. This necessitated a few stays in hospital. While in hospital my friend had signed a “DNR” or Do Not Resuscitate authorization. It was his
Continue readingThe Disaffected Lib: BC Court Strikes Down Ban on Assisted Suicide
It’s about time. A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has upheld a terminally ill woman’s right to physician-assisted suicide. Justice Lynn Smith held the ban to be discriminatory and unconstitutional. The woman, who has late-stage ALS, was represented by veteran lawyer Joe Arvey. “I describe the evidence and the legal
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