Palliative Care
The pastoral experience of the Bishops has shown that patients are more likely13 to request euthanasia/assisted suicide when their pain is not properly managed by good quality palliative care, when their dependence on others to provide assistance and support is not adequately met, or when they are socially marginalized. Palliative care, which has yet to become fully available and accessible in our own country, offers a compelling answer – the only respectful, comprehensive and ethical alternative to what the Government is trying to address through the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
When sufficient emotional, psychological and spiritual support is lacking, individuals are not truly free to choose appropriate medical care or options and thus are led to having no other alternative than the tragic failure presented by euthanasia and assisted suicide. Palliative care provides the choice of a better option which is not truly accessible to all Canadians. It alleviates pain, addresses loneliness, fear, distress, and despair in a compassionate manner through the support of family and community. This choice of care and support respects the dignity of the person and recognizes that human life has an objective and transcendent value. A human person’s life is not defined or limited by one’s illness or one’s situation in life, for each human being processes an inherent dignity from birth until natural death.
The Value of Palliative Care IACB Guidelines for Health Care Facilities and Individual Providers Facing Permissive Laws on Physician Assistance in Suicide and Euthanasia. To view the document click HERE
Palliative Care Matters: We need to ensure that palliative care becomes part of Canada’s universal healthcare model. That’s why Covenant Health has joined with many of Canada’s leading national health organizations and experts in palliative care and health policy to lead this initiative.
http://www.palliativecarematters.ca/home
This Action Plan lays out Health Canada’s five-year plan to tackle issues uncovered through the development of the Framework. It aims to improve quality of life for people living with life-limiting illness, families and caregivers, and enhance access, quality of care and health care system performance. It complements current financial support to provinces and territories under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities.
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association: CHPCA is the national leader in the pursuit of quality hospice palliative care in Canada through: public policy, education, knowledge translation, awareness, and collaboration.
CATHOLIC FUNERAL INFORMATION:
Funeral Homes in Manitoba - click here.
END OF LIFE CARE RESOURCES
Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons & Families Considering or Opting for Death by Assisted Suicide or Euthanasia - A Guide for Priests and Parishes - Guidelines
End-of-Life care in the Light of God’s Word - Click here.
Further Reading Material - Click here.
- Avoiding the MAID Mindset: What Catholics Need to Know - Click here.
Helpful Approaches to end of life care for Caregivers
Catholic Bioethics Moments
Video Series: Ethical Issues, End of Life & Matters of Conscience
Medical Assistance in Dying
Learn about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)
Discussions about palliative care, an overview of Medical Aid in Dying and the impact recent legislation has had on society and the practice of medicine.
Catholic Clinical Ethicist - St. Boniface Hospital
Katarina Lee - Presented at St. Boniface Cathedral
EUTHANASIA & ASSISTED SUICIDE
On June 17th, 2016, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-14,which legalized -euthanasia/assisted suicide in our country.
Excerpt: “The legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) raises a host of complex ethical and practical challenges that have implications for both policy and practice. The CMA supports maintaining the balance between three equally legitimate considerations: respecting decisional autonomy for those eligible Canadians who are seeking access, protecting vulnerable persons through careful attention to safeguards, and creating an environment in which practitioners are able to adhere to their moral commitments.”
- THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN DYING (PROTECTION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND OTHERS) ACT https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/41-2/b034e.php
- CMA , MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN DYING (POLICY, 2017)
Webinar: "Ethics and Medical Assistance in Dying"
Passcode: i+&6=&RD
Compassionate Community Care (CCC)
CCC is a registered charity comprised of health care professionals and volunteers who provide support to vulnerable persons and their families during times of illness and crisis. They provide advice, help & support regarding euthanasia & assisted suicide prevention. Contact their helpline at 1-855-675-8749 or office (Monday-Friday) at 519-439-6445 or email them
End of life choices Workshop ppt presentations
INVOLUNTARY PILGRIM ON THE VIA NEGATIVA
To view results of the Table discussions on MAID click here, and to view the Table discussion results on Suffering click here.