Madam Speaker, the next petition deals with the issue of euthanasia and, in particular, highlights concerns that have been raised by those living with disabilities. The petitioners are very concerned that in the context of a lack of available services and treatments for people in various situations, euthanasia does not present itself as a real choice but is offered in the absence of alternative kinds of supports.
The petitioners argue that allowing medical assistance in dying for those with disabilities or chronic illness devalues their lives, tacitly endorsing the idea that life with disability is optional and by extension dispensable.
The petitioners are concerned about us having an ableist health care system where the lives of those with disabilities are seen as not worth living. They note that many disability advocates in Canada have expressed opposition to the expansions contained in the government's previous bill, Bill C-7.
The petitioners therefore call on the government to protect all Canadians whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable by prohibiting medical assistance in dying for those whose prognosis for natural death is more than six months.