Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Never in danger,’ Sept. 29.
Jan Corbett’s letter did not reassure me regarding MAID (medical assistance in dying) nor my safety when being admitted to a hospital or a long-term care facility. I’m pleased that she was well cared for in a long-term home. I only wish that all citizens were as fortunate as her.
Unfortunately that is not the case, as was confirmed in an Associated Press article on Aug. 11 that shines an international light on our country’s permissive use of euthanasia and how many families have felt pressured to accept MAID in lieu of proper medical care.
Depression and hearing loss was the reason for one man’s death (age 61). A 41-year-old man consented to euthanasia as he could not get 24-hour care at home. He had an 11-year-old son and declined going to an institution away from him. He agreed to be euthanized.
Catherine Frazee, professor emeritus, at Metropolitan Toronto University, stated that one young man with a brain disorder was pressured to accept death, and she claimed it “was only the tip of the iceberg” of people with disabilities who are being pressured by physicians and nurses to accept euthanasia.
Recently a war veteran with post traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury while seeking treatment was unexpectedly offered MAID by a Veteran Affairs Canada employee.
The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is located in London, Ontario and does not take direction from the similarly named organization in the U.S.
I am personally familiar with this caring organization which has been on the forefront of defending people who are vulnerable and often defenseless when being pressured into accepting MAID. Others may be euthanized without their knowledge or consent, as happened with my parents.
This slope seems to be coming more slippery. Unless someone takes action to stop it; it will continue to become worse.
Pat Woode,
Fergus