The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has sent a letter to all Members of Parliament and the Senate opposing Bill C-407 which seeks to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia. The letter, dated October 11 and signed by CCCB General Secretary Mario Paquette says that "the Catholic Bishops of Canada are firmly opposed to Bill C-407, and are urging the Government of Canada, all members of Parliament and all Catholics to reject," the bill.
"Legalizing assisted suicide and euthanasia," says the letter, "would justify the most extreme human abuse possible, namely the killing of another person."
The CCCB letter explains: "Assisted suicide and euthanasia are founded on an erroneous understanding of compassion and freedom. They pose an extremely serious threat that concerns all citizens but especially the most vulnerable." It adds, "euthanasia and assisted suicide are not a 'solution' for those suffering or dying in depression, pain or solitude. They are in need instead of personal attention as well as physical, psychological and emotional support until their natural death."