Subsequent to an intensive three-year period of reflection, the CMQ is revealing its perspective and conclusions today regarding end-of-life care and euthanasia. The CMQ embraces the point of view of the patient who is confronting imminent and inevitable death. In such a situation, the patient looks to their physician and generally requests that they be able to die without undue suffering and with dignity. Neither surveys, nor attorneys, nor politicians can properly advise the physician and the patient facing this situation. In the majority of cases, the patient and their doctor find the appropriate analgesia that respects the ethical obligation of physicians not to preserve life at any cost, but rather, when the death of a patient appears to be inevitable, to act so that it occurs with dignity and to ensure that the patient obtains the appropriate support and relief.
Jacques Delisle, a retired judge charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, has been released on bail. The former Quebec Court of Appeal judge appeared at the Quebec City courthouse for a bail hearing on Wednesday.
More than eight out of 10 Quebecers support the legalization of euthanasia, according to a survey commissioned by CBC and Radio-Canada. At least 83 per cent of Quebecers polled earlier this month agree that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide should be allowed in certain cases. The poll, conducted between Nov. 5 and 15, and based on 2,200 telephone interviews, also found a minority of respondents would choose euthanasia for themselves or a loved one.