Feds to appeal assisted suicide case

Gloria Taylor (Photo: www.dyingwithdignity.ca)

by Dave Preston

The federal government announced Friday it will appeal a ruling that struck down Canada’s ban on assisted suicide.

A BC Supreme Court judge ruled in June that Canada’s law is unconstitutional. At the same time, Justice Lynn Smith put her ruling on hold for one year to give the federal government an opportunity to update Canada’s Criminal Code.

The landmark ruling is a result of West Kelowna woman Gloria Taylor. She has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and wants the right to end her life.

Justice Smith also granted Taylor an exemption, which would allow the terminally ill woman to seek a physician’s assistance in ending her life.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said today the federal government wants a stay on all aspects of the ruling, including Taylor’s exemption. He said his government believes the country’s Criminal Code ban on assisted suicide is constitutional.