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Montreal, March 5, 2014 – The call for elections by the Marois government has killed Bill 52, An Act respecting end-of-life care, on the order paper. The citizen network Living With Dignity and the Physicians' Alliance against Euthanasia are very pleased with this development and the fact that the Bill – a danger to our most vulnerable citizens – has not been adopted.

Now that the question of euthanasia has been introduced into the public debate, it is crucial not to ignore it. We invite the candidates of all parties to reflect on the serious responsibility they will face during the next legislature if a similar bill is introduced. The newly elected MNAs will have the grave duty of protecting the life of all Quebecers. For the well-being of all citizens, they should resist any attempt at introducing euthanasia or assisted suicide in Quebec.

We urge all candidates and future MNAs to draft a Bill that will ensure access to high quality palliative care for EVERYONE in Quebec who is in need of it. It is essential that appropriate palliative care be available everywhere in Quebec for people with terminal illnesses.

We must refuse euthanasia disguised as "medical aid in dying". We must refuse any bill that would try to redefine medicine and threaten the lives of the most vulnerable. We must insist on a program of palliative care that respects every person's life until its natural end.

Sources: The Living with Dignity network and the Physicians' Alliance Against Euthanasia. Follow us on Twitter at @collectifmed and @vivredignite.

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