CMA softens stance on assisted suicide

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has shifted its position on physician assisted suicide as a result of discussion at the organization's general council last month. Delegates voted to “support the right of all physicians, within the bounds of existing legislation, to follow their conscience when deciding whether to provide medical aid in dying.”

The resolution was adopted by an overwhelming 91% of the 800 physician delegates, indicating that many physicians want the right to make a decision based on their conscience as to what is best for patients.  

Doctors of BC President, Dr Bill Cavers, says the shift is a reflection of the change in society’s views, with passionate discussions being held around the country. In June, Quebec passed Bill 52, an Act respecting end-of-life care, allowing terminally ill patients access to medical aid in dying, and in October,  the Supreme Court of Canada will hear an appeal of a BC case that found the Criminal Code prohibition on physician-assisted death infringed the Charter.  

A related theme that repeatedly came up at General Council is the need for better access to palliative care; only an estimated 30% of patients have access to these valuable resources.  Said Dr Cavers: “This is unacceptable and, regardless of one’s position on physician-assisted death, this is something on which everyone agrees. We need to do better in this area.”   

Doctors of BC fully supports a continued robust and open public discussion on the topic as we await the court’s decision on this matter.   

Dr Cavers comments on the end-of-life discussion at the CMA general council will appear in the October edition of the BC Medical Journal. For further reading, see recent media coverage in an article from the Globe and Mail.