Monday, May 9, 2016

Mel Arnold MP opposes euthanasia Bill C-14 based on the unclear language of the bill.

Alex Schadenberg
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Mel Arnold MP
On Wednesday May 4, I had the opportunity of speaking to a group of 80 people in Vernon BC, as part of a BC speaking tour. 


An article published in the Vernon Morning Star reported that the local member of parliament, Mel Arnold, voted against Bill C-14 based on the response from his constituents and the unclear language in the bill. The Morning Star reported Arnold to have stated:
“Legislation of this gravity must be precise in the conditions and safeguards it sets out leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation,” 
“We need to fully consider all the implications of what is being presented in the bill,”
Alex Schadenberg
The Morning Star commented on the media release sent out after my presentation: 

Schadenberg says Bill C-14 fails to protect the vulnerable. 
“When signing a request for euthanasia, the bill requires that a medical or nurse practitioner to only: be satisfied that the request was signed and dated by the person, which is a pretty minimal standard,” 
When the person is unable to sign the request, the bill allows anyone to sign the request. Section 4 states: anyone can sign the request so long as they are at least 18 years of age and who understands the nature of the request. That’s a frightening thought.”
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is urging our supporters to write/contact Members of Parliament and Senators concerning Bill C-14. The language employed by Bill C-14 is imprecise and dangerous.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...


The bill actually says;

"(c) be satisfied that the request was signed and dated
by the person — or by another person under subsection (4) — before two independent witnesses who then also signed and dated the request;"

Subsection "(4) If the person requesting medical assistance in dying
is unable to sign and date the request, another person —
who is at least 18 years of age and who understands the
nature of the request for medical assistance in dying —
may do so in the person’s presence on their behalf."