Quebec docs endorse controlled euthanasia

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QUEBEC CITY, July 16, 2009, United Press International, Inc. (UPI)

The Quebec College of Physicians is proposing Canada's Criminal Code be revised to permit medical euthanasia in strictly controlled circumstances.

The college's secretary, Dr. Yves Robert, told the Globe and Mail a statement is being prepared for release in November that calls for drug-induced euthanasia to be allowed in "certain particular circumstances" when dealing with terminally ill patients in severe pain.

"Avoiding the debate contributes to the general hypocrisy around this issue," Robert told the Globe. "To say that it doesn't happen because it is illegal is completely stupid. We have to stop hiding our head in the sand"

Robert said the "reflection document" will emphasize that politicians and lawyers have no role in a doctor's final care of a patient and ensuring death with dignity.

The proposal said euthanasia would have to include the patient's request and a doctor's approval bound within strict parameters to avoid potential abuse, the report said.

Meanwhile, Robert said the college remains opposed to assisted suicide as practiced at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland.

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