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Right to die case back in court
VANCOUVER/CKNW (AM980)
Marcella Bernardo | Email news tips to Marcella
3/18/2013

More than a dozen lawyers are appearing in BC's highest court today to debate the constitutionality of allowing doctor-assisted suicide in Canada.


A federal ban was struck down last year by a BC Supreme Court judge, who gave lawmakers one year to fix the existing legislation.


Lawyers for the Conservative government are now trying to have the lower court ruling overturned by the BC Court of Appeal.


The case stems from a challenge mounted by Gloria Taylor, an Okanagan woman who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease and died last year.


The courtroom is packed with stakeholders including several members of a group who say being disabled is not a fate worse than death.


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  1. AndreaK_5056 posted on 03/18/2013 02:44 PM
    We're not saying being disabled is a fate worse than death, we are asking for OUR right to do what we want with with OUR bodies! My mom has Parkinson's and is not looking forward to what will happen to her body eventually. She also doesn't want her family to go through watching her suffer. She wants to be able to end her life with some dignity, which is what she is entitled to after being born in Canada and living here her whole life, paying taxes and being a contributing member to society.

    I also expect this same level of dignity should I ever contract a horrible disease. This is a right that everyone is entitled to, and they are entitled to decide whatever they want. No one is forcing you to end your life early. Make your wishes known plain and simple with your family, your lawyer and your doctor. Make sure your wishes are clearly stated on your medical file. That way, no one can alter your decision after the fact.
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