The whole issue around assisting a patient to die is an issue of compassion, for society to be compassionate to people in this situation, and certainly for any physician willing to participate. It is of highest concern that patients not be unduly suffering. However, this is being weighed against safeguards to make sure there is sufficient time for sober second thought. I think you have to look at it as a balance.
The wording in the bill is that if the two medical practitioners
are both of the opinion that the person’s death, or the loss of their capacity to provide informed consent, is imminent—any shorter period that the first medical practitioner or nurse practitioner considers appropriate in the circumstances
There is a provision there. I think it would be an exceptional circumstance, but at least it does give that leeway. As I said, these are complex issues. We would want to make sure that the safeguards are protecting people at this very vulnerable time in their lives.