Here’s a copy of the letter of protest Democracy Defence Initiative delivered on November 30, 2016 to:
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario November 30, 2016
80 College Street,
Toronto ON M5G 2E2
Dear Sirs/Mesdames
In 1948 the wise leaders of the free world declared in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…” These were not just empty words but a sturdy foundation for civilized democracy, purchased with blood.
At that time, our judges concluded not only that “just following orders” would not excuse taking innocent human lives but also that no authority should ever again order anyone to participate in taking innocent human lives. Since then, our laws have accommodated the bona fide beliefs of citizens. Even conscripted soldiers in wartime were allowed conscientious objector status to protect them from orders to contribute to the deaths of others. Until now……..
Recent regulations from the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons propose to punish any physician who refuses demands to arrange for a patient to die. Directives specifically require that physicians inform people of procedures to arrange their deaths and ensure access and referral to an agency that will assist people to take their lives.
How many young doctors enter the medical profession with any idea other than the desire to make people whole? Must medical schools now screen young people for their willingness to arrange death when ordered? When did Canada become a place where honourable men and women were treated like criminals? How long has it been in Canada since anyone was ordered to participate in arranging anyone’s death?
Even when Canada was threatened in two world wars, we were very slow to conscript citizens into lethal service. Where is the national emergency today that requires us to conscript unwilling doctors into arranging the deaths of others?
If there is any obligation to dispense death upon demand, it is not the obligation of any private citizen to do so. We want Canada to remain “the true North strong and free.” Stand up now in defence of freedom for our medical professionals! Eliminate these appalling directives! Your children and grandchildren will thank you.
Stephen Woodworth, for The Democracy Defence Initiative