ISSN #1481-7314 Vol. 8, No. 4 Oct. - Dec. 2006

A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY AND FOR THE MEMBERS OF: Choice in Dying - Ottawa Dying With Dignity Society of Canada

Mercy for Bergeron ceded to his wife’s wishes. NEWS He tried a method Houle had suggested: The sentencing of Andre Bergeron took placing magnets over her pacemaker, and in Canada place in Sherbrooke on October 19. Berg- applying a stronger-than-usual fentanyl eron had tried to bring about the death of patch. his wife, Marielle Houle, in response to her When it became clear that Houle’s idea Conversation not Confrontation? daily pleas for deliverance from the suffer- would not work, Bergeron tried to use a ing caused by advanced Friedreich’s ataxia, plastic bag, and he evidently succeeded in The College of Physicians and an incurable nerve disease. On April 20 he producing a state which resembled death; Surgeons has been examining the question had pled guilty to aggravated assault (the when he called 911 he said that he had just of withholding or withdrawing medical Crown having agreed to charge him with killed his wife. He added that he would be treatment (such as treatment that is con- this instead of attempted murder). sitting on the front steps waiting for the sidered excessively burdensome to the In her 19-page ruling, judge Danielle police. patient, or futile). A draft policy from the Côté chronicled the events leading up to the The paramedics found that Houle had College was the subject of a CBC News desperate actions taken on July 7 of 2005: not died completely. After reviving her they story on October 14. – Houle’s condition had been worsening all took her to hospital, and the police took The draft proposes that when the during the twenty years she and Bergeron Bergeron to the station. doctors and the patient (or the patient’s had been married, and by June 2005 she There they began to interrogate him family) disagree, doctors should have the was speaking even to doctors about her but the process had to be cut short. He was final say. However, families would have desire for death; at that time she and her hyperventilating, his blood pressure soared, to be given four days’ notice, and would be family doctor agreed to stop all medications and he sobbed constantly, berating himself able to appeal the decision through a and treatments except palliative ones. for failing his beloved Marielle. He was second opinion or court intervention. – Also at that time, however, the doctor taken to hospital by ambulance. Although such a policy may need to be discussed placing Houle in a longterm-care He remained in a psychiatric ward until applied in occasional cases, both “sides” facility; fearful that the authorities might July 22 (Houle had died on July 10), and likely want the usual procedure to be one force this move upon her, and having wit- during that time he tried to hang himself, of reciprocal education: the doctors teach nessed a sister’s death from Friedreich’s but he did not succeed. After he was re- the patient’s relatives about the real prob- ataxia at age 48 in an institution, she leased, under psychiatric care on an out- abilities for recovery to a condition the intensified her pleas to her husband. patient basis, his emotional state became patient would want, and the patient’s – For several weeks Bergeron found reasons more normal, though he made one more relatives teach the doctors about what to refuse, but on July 7 Houle had an acute suicide attempt – by drug overdose – in conditions the patient would probably episode which required a visit by the doctor, April of 2006. want or at least accept. and after he had gone Bergeron finally ac- Towards the end of her ruling, as she led up to her decision, Judge Côté noted Professions Appeal and Review Board. On Bienvenue! that sentencing decisions almost always November 3 the Board released its decision. involve considering two kinds of circum- After carefully reviewing the actions of the Un nouvel organisme francophone stance: aggravating factors, and attenuat- College and its reasoning, the Board con- concernant le droit de mourir est en train ing factors. Bergeron’s case, she stated, was cluded that the College had acted properly de se former au Québec. remarkable for the total absence of ag- in dismissing the complaint against Pour de plus amples renseignements, gravating factors (paragraph 107). Marshall. vous pouvez vous adresser à l’une des The attenuating factors were numerous personnes suivantes: and impressive. Most influential, probably, New Stance by Hospice Group Yvon Bureau were the uniformly laudatory testimonials Téléphone: 418-843-8807 from Houle’s relatives and neighbours. Courriel: ybbureau@ videotron.ca Every one of these people praised Berger- In Canada as in many other countries, Guy Lamarche on’s devotion to his wife, and some of them the palliative-care community has trad- described him as a saint. itionally been opposed to aid in dying. But Courriel: guy_lamarche@ videotron.ca In this same section of her ruling, Côté early in 2005 the Canadian Hospice and Paul-Henri Fortin remarked that if Canadian law in 2005 Palliative Care Association set up a working Courriel: paul-henri.fortin@ videotron.ca had been of the form proposed by Francine group on the issue of physician-assisted Lalonde in Bill C-407 (which Côté quoted at dying (encompassing both euthanasia and [English translation: length), Houle and Bergeron could have ). Two teleconferences were A group is being formed in Quebec for received assistance from a doctor (para- held, and additional discussions took French-speaking right-to-die supporters. graph 108), instead of acting in terrified place during a forum sponsored by Health For more information, contact any of and ill-informed solitude. Canada in March 2006. the following people . . .] Bergeron was sentenced to three years’ The result was a very thoughtful and probation. He is to remain in the care of broad-ranging issues paper which was psychiatrist Martine Bérubé as long as she approved at a meeting of the association considers it necessary, and he is also to be on November 22. supported by a social worker and a doctor from a local community-services centre. The paper’s “Analysis” section begins NEWS with reminders that (1) the association Ed. Note: If you read French, and want “promotes excellence in care for all people in Other Countries to see the whole of Côté’s judgment, you with terminal illnesses ...” and (2) “our can find it on the site policies must reflect their best interests ...” www.jugements.qc.ca (emphasis added). ITALY In the “tribunal” menu of the keyword- The draft statement which follows later search block, select “Cour du Québec – in the paper reflects awareness of these Chambre criminelle et pénale”, then enter important points, in this passage: In Italy, You Say? “Bergeron” as your keyword. “... despite access to high-quality end- of-life care, a small number of Canadians Non-Italians sometimes assume that Update on Peter Marshall may still choose to have control over their because Italy is home to the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church, the country own death. As hospice palliative care When psychologist Marty McKay com- as a whole is hostile to aid in dying. But practitioners, we will respect their right to plained to the Ontario College of Psych- some recent public discussion has set the ologists about her fellow-psychologist Peter choose and will not abandon them.” record straight. Marshall – who had accompanied a friend CHPCA members are being asked to The conversation began on September to Zurich where she ended her life with provide feedback, which the association 21 when , a 60-year-old help from Dignitas – the College dismissed will use for developing an official position muscular dystrophy patient whose dis- her complaint as “frivolous and vexatious” statement and for responding to any parl- ease had progressed to the point where he because Marshall had acted in a personal iamentary committees on the issue. considered death preferable to life, sent rather than a professional capacity. The complete issues paper is available a video message to President Giorgio McKay then turned to the Ontario Health on www.chpca.net. Napolitano. Although Welby could no

Page 2 Free To Go Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 longer speak, he could communicate by a view to drafting a law about advance The public response to Welby’s death means of a voice synthesiser which he act- healthcare directives (“living wills”). Exit- included a wide range of opinions, but a ivated with eye movements. Here are some Italia, one of the Italian right-to-die groups, very prominent reaction – from the Catholic excerpts from his message: applied to meet with the committee. Church, for instance – focussed on Welby’s “Until two and a half months ago, On December 1 Welby’s lawyers lodged style. The Church does not object to refusal my life may have been marked by rather an appeal with Rome’s civil court, asking of treatment, and in fact its officials fre- serious difficulties, but I was able, at any that Welby’s ventilator (which “breathed” quently refer to this option when claiming time of the day, to use my computer and for him) be disconnected. Nine people, in- that there is no need to legalize euthanasia. write, read, do research and chat with my cluding Bonino, went on hunger strikes in But Welby had been so brazenly public that friends on the Internet. Today, I seem to support of Welby. the Church may have felt he had promoted have fallen into an abyss. . . I watch TV wait- Arguments were heard on December 12 a mood of questioning and dissatisfaction ing for the Tavor tablet so that I can fall and on Saturday December 16 judge Angela within the flock. asleep and not feel anything, hoping that I Salvio released her decision: while Welby To indicate its disapproval of his will not wake in the morning . . . what is left had a constitutional right to determine his misbehaviour, the Church refused to let to me is no longer life, it is only a stubborn own medical treatment, current Italian law his family hold his funeral in their parish and senseless keeping active the biological did not concretely protect that right, e.g. by church. A lay funeral was therefore held in functions. My body is no longer mine – it is requiring doctors to comply with patients’ the piazza in front of the church, and hund- there, spread out before doctors, assistants, wishes. (Allowing doctors to “opt out” of reds of people attended. Welby’s work will and relatives. . . If I were Swiss, Belgian or controversial procedures is currently a likely continue through them and through Dutch, I could escape from this utter out- vexed question in public-policy circles. It many other Italians who now feel that there rage, but I am Italian and there is no pity in is permitted in most places, but in 2004 the will be no going back. Italy.” governor of Wisconsin vetoed opting-out President Napolitano responded very legislation, saying “The personal ideological quickly and very publicly, urging his fellow beliefs of scarce health providers in rural legislators to debate euthanasia. He also or underserved parts of the state should not UNITED KINGDOM sent a letter to Welby, which newspapers dictate the legitimate medical options printed in their weekend editions. “I accept available to citizens.”) Vulnerable to Protection your message of tragic suffering with sin- As soon as the decision was made cere understanding and solidarity,” he public, Welby sympathizers in dozens of After Grace Cross was diagnosed with wrote. Italian cities announced vigils to be held cerebellar ataxia and then with Parkinson’s Several other public figures were equally that evening to show support. About 200 disease, her husband Harry did everything supportive. Umberto Veronesi, a doctor and people attended the Rome vigil, which was necessary to ensure that she could con- a former health minister, declared “I think addressed by the city’s mayor. tinue to live at home. The house was denying euthanasia to a person who By this time almost everyone in It- made “disability-friendly” and excellent is asking for it and is completely lucid is aly knew about Welby. Mario Riccio, an caregivers were found through the Social pure and simple torture.” Cabinet Minister anaesthesiologist in the northern city of Services department of the Wirral Borough Emma Bonino, who belongs to a party with Cremona, was no exception. Council. the expressive name of “Rosa nel Pugno” The judge had said that a decision about However, love and support did not keep (Rose in the Fist), thanked her President: “I stopping treatment “is left to the complete Grace’s condition from deteriorating over am grateful to Napolitano for his courage. discretion of any doctor to whom the re- the next four years. By May of 2002 she We need to have a parliamentary debate quest is made”. The discretion of Welby’s considered death preferable to continued on euthanasia immediately.” And Radical own doctors led them to deny his request, decline, and one day she took an overdose Party leader Marco Cappato made an but Riccio contacted Welby’s advocates and of a painkiller while Harry was away at important point by noting “Regulating said that he was a doctor whose discretion work. But since the drug was only aceta- euthanasia means fighting against clan- was different. He was quite willing to make minophen (Tylenol) she did not die. destine euthanasia.” (Welby had strong ties it possible for Welby to end his ventilator By 2003 Grace was bedridden, and even to the Radical Party, and had been active in treatment and to do it without suffering. more determined to die. She had seen a TV its campaigns for choice at the end of life.) On December 21 Riccio accomplished program about Dignitas and she told Harry In early October a Senate committee was this. He sedated Welby very deeply and then she wanted to use its services. Initially he set up and began hearing opinions, with disconnected the machine. resisted the idea, as did the couple’s three

Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 Free To Go Page 3 children, but after many months Grace violence (though institutionalized end- UK forward. convinced them all. She knew that she had stage patients are nowadays drugged to On November 15 Dave died quickly and a strong heart and she was terrified of lying the point where they cannot express these peacefully in Dignitas’ suite. Dr. Irwin was for years in helpless misery waiting for it traits as they could in former times). with him till the very end. Dave’s ashes to give out. Dave decided he did not want to per- were sent back to the Isle of Wight to be Arrangements were made for Grace to severe all the way to such a bitter end. He scattered in the places where he had spent fly to Zurich late in 2004. On November 24 had heard about Dignitas, in Switzerland, many happy hours on his retirement hobby, friends of the family gathered at her home and he ordered a copy of the explanatory fossil-hunting. for a farewell tea. As Harry was gathering booklet prepared by FATE (Friends At The up the dishes, a representative of the Wirral End), a Scottish group that has members in Borough Council arrived with an injunction England also. Because Dave had some Som etim es Yes, Som etim es No forbidding Grace to travel (Harry had ment- difficulties in using a computer (although ioned Grace’s plan to them, feeling that his mental competence had not yet been After three years of watching and hop- it was the honourable thing to do). The in- affected, limb movements had become a ing, the parents of a 53-year-old English junction stated that as a vulnerable adult bit chancy), FATE handled most of the woman diagnosed as PVS (persistent vege- Grace needed protecting. Dignitas correspondence for him. tative state) had applied to have her tube Grace was completely distraught, and This included dealing with all the “red feeding stopped so that she could die. Both screamed heartbrokenly. Since she was tape”, some of which threatened to block her father and her mother (who is a retired unable to defend herself from her protect- Dave’s plans. Although he had two adult psychiatrist) felt they knew their daughter ors, Harry realized that it was up him, and children, Dave had never married, so he well enough to be confident that in her a few days later he was in London’s High was asked to provide a “celibatary certif- present circumstances she would want Court with a solicitor. icate”. When FATE explained that there death. On November 30 the judge ruled that was no such document in the UK, they were In November the president of the high Grace’s right to die should not be inter- told that a lawyer’s certificated letter would court’s family division ruled that life sup- fered with. The next morning she flew from be an adequate substitute. The first letter port could not be withdrawn from the Manchester to Zurich, with quite a con- provided by Dave’s solicitor was rejected woman until doctors had given her a three- tingent of supporters: Harry, her daughter because it had not been notarized; this fault day trial of zolpidem (tradenames Ambien, Fiona, her sister Joyce, her niece Naomi, was corrected and the application process Stilnox, and others). This “sleeping pill” her caregiver Alison, and two family friends. continued. had been found to have what doctors call a When Harry returned home after Grace’s Shortly before leaving for Zurich, Dave paradoxical effect (causing wakefulness death, an investigation was opened by the spoke with the various professionals who rather than sedation) with several PVS Merseyside police. In July the Crown Pros- had been supporting him: his family doc- patients in South Africa, Europe and the ecution Service advised officers to take no tor, his neurologist, his psychologist and United States. further action. However, the police may his care worker. On hearing that he had The effect was discovered accidentally, in have been unhappy with this decision; chosen to use the services of Dignitas, they at least two different places. not until October 18 did they announce shook his hand and wished him well. Louis Viljoen, a young South African that no criminal charges would be laid. A friend of Dave’s had offered to man who had lain unresponsive for five accompany him to Zurich, but that friend years, was given the sedative after his ward had a heart attack a few days before Dave nurse expressed concern that spasms in his Many Understanding Friends was to leave. Fortunately, FATE member left arm, which caused him to tear at his Dr. Michael Irwin stepped in as replace- mattress, might indicate that deep inside he 61-year-old Dave Richards, who lived on ment companion. was uncomfortable. His mother helped the Isle of Wight, had been diagnosed with The two met in London the evening him to swallow some pop in which she had Huntington’s disease when he was 57. before Dave’s flight. Dave invited a reporter dissolved a zolpidem tablet, and 25 minutes Huntington’s is a progressive and incur- from the Sunday Times to join them for later he made a humming noise – the first able neurological disease whose end stages supper, and a very moving article was the sound he had made since he was hit by a are particularly horrible – incapacitating result (published November 19). Dave truck while riding his bike. Then he turned physical deterioration is accompanied by would have preferred to die in his own his head towards his mother and when she dementia and often by personality changes part of the world; he hoped that one more asked “Louis, can you hear me?” he replied in the direction of sociopathology and piece of publicity might help to move the “Yes.”

Page 4 Free To Go Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 In the US, 31-year-old George Melendez PVS period and thus respond paradoxically to change the terminology used in its had been in much the same state as Viljoen to a sedative. publications and official statements. In and for a similar length of time (four “Sometimes” is the important word to a letter sent on August 22, CCO pointed out years). One night when his parents had remember in all of this, however. Zolpidem that using the word “suicide” suggests a taken him to an out-of-town clinic, and has been given to many patients since its crime is being committed, since assisting a their sharing of a motel room meant that possible benefits became known, and only suicide remains a felony under state law. the moaning which he frequently did was some of those patients have experienced The wording of the statute shows that keeping his mother awake, she gave him substantial recovery. legislators were aware of this problem; an Ambien hoping that it would “zonk” him The 53-year-old English woman turned they addressed it in a passage stating that a bit and make his moaning stop. After out to be among the patients who did not a death within the terms of the law “shall a few minutes there was silence, but not recover. Rather than having a paradoxical not, for any purpose, constitute suicide, for the reason she expected – when she reaction to the sedative, she had a normal assisted suicide, mercy killing or homicide, glanced over to his bed she saw him wide reaction; that is, she got sleepy. At a under the law.” awake and looking around the room. She hearing on December 6 the court ruled that CCO’s efforts were successful, but only called his name and he said “What?” As her doctors could discontinue her tube for one day. had happened with Viljoen, excited con- feeding and let her have eternal rest. On October 16 the government an- versation followed, accompanied on the Reading case reports like those in the nounced that the term “physician-assisted parents’ part by tears of joy. Guardian article enables one to under- death” would replace “physician-assisted With daily zolpidem treatments, Viljoen stand why the authorities felt that zolpidem suicide” in its reports and on its website, has continued to improve. The author of a should be tried. The accounts are very starting in November. September 12 article in the Guardian re- moving, and all the patients mentioned An uproar ensued immediately. Op- lated what he saw on one visit: seem happy with their situation. ponents of the law and of the practice it “Louis is given a pill, and I watch. It is But the parents of the English woman permits denounced the change as merely 8:30 a.m. After nine minutes the grey may well have been correct to feel that an effort to gloss over a harsh reality. pallor disappears and his face flushes. their daughter, if allowed to wake up and Even journalists had difficulties with He starts smiling and laughing. After 10 fully comprehend her situation and her the replacement phrase, pointing out that minutes he begins asking questions. His prospects, would have experienced such “physician-assisted death” could encom- speech is impaired because of the brain extreme distress that subjecting her to it pass quite a range of actions, including eu- damage and the need, several years ago, to would have been cruel rather than kind. thanasia, which is not yet legal in Oregon. remove all his teeth, but I can understand When our substitute decision-makers are And if we look ahead to acronyms which him. A couple of minutes later, his right people who love us and who know us very may someday be used, it does seem likely arm becomes less contorted and the facial well, we probably want their wisdom to that people would rather be PASed than drooping lessens. After 15 minutes he prevail. PADed. reaches out to hug Sienie [his mother]. He The upshot of it all? The state will now pulls off her wedding ring and asks her refer simply to “people who use the Death what it is. “It’s a suffer-ring,” she jokes. UNITED STATES With Dignity Act”. As for journalists, most And he says, “Well, if you’re suffering, you plan to keep steady on their course, con- should make a plan!” The banter con- tinuing to use “physician-assisted suicide” tinues and he remembers conversations Watch Your Language because they believe that is the term their from the previous day and adds to them.” readers will understand. Scientists are just beginning to develop Many Oregonians who chose to end their One ray of light for Compassion and hypotheses about what makes such scenes lives with the help allowed by the state’s Choices did come in November. At its an- possible. South African medical professor Death With Dignity Act felt insulted by nual meeting the American Public Health Ben Meyer wonders if brain cells we have having their actions described as “suicide”. Association adopted a policy that recom- assumed to be dead are really only “hiber- They felt they were doing something quite mends using neutral terms such as “aid in nating”; it is known that cells in the heart different from the impulsive and ill-judged dying” or “patient-directed dying”. The and in the thyroid gland can do this. Other acts to which that term usually refers. second phrase avoids many of the prob- experts theorize that the brain’s receptors On their behalf, Compassion and lems inherent in other terms that have for “GABA” (gamma amino butyric acid) Choices of Oregon (CCO) began lobbying been suggested, and it may be a winner. sometimes become deformed during a long the state’s Department of Human Services Stay tuned.

Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 Free To Go Page 5 WORLD this seems to mean protecting them from profoundly moved by this week’s heart- themselves. wrenching Four Corners program about Alzheimer’s. Mexican-Nem butal Alert When published: October 16, 2006 (in We invite politicians who were watching Palliative Medicine vol. 20, no. 7, pages to answer some questions. We believe in 653-659) euthanasia. However, Christians who op- The Nov.-Dec. issue of e-Deliverance, pose it tell us we must await God’s will. Do from the Australia-based group Exit Int- For m ore inform ation: you really believe God wills many of us to ernational, notes that recent travellers to http://pmj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstr spend our last years with the wretchedly Mexico have found some veterinary act/20/7/653 (typed without any breaks). degrading Alzheimer’s? pharmacies to be stocking pentobarbital in The title of the article is “Characteristics of Some Christians oppose euthanasia be- 50ml-bottles as well as in the usual 100ml- end-of-life decisions” and the author is cause they believe, like Mother Teresa, that bottles. People should be aware that if they Clive Seale. suffering can be ennobling. Would you find choose the smaller bottle they need to buy it ennobling to spend your last years in a two. nursing home, completely estranged from your loved ones, unable to control your bladder or bowels? Note on Sources It was stated that one in four of those reaching 85 is affected by Alzheimer’s. Most of the material for the “News” Since both of us have, in recent months, and “Data Bit” sections of Free To Go is experienced some memory loss – minor as data bit found by the Editor (Ruth von Fuchs) yet – and since I have already had a mini- through the following two sources: stroke, it is quite on the cards that one or www.euthanewsia.ca both of us will finish up with the ac- The num ber: 31 percentage points (Themmis Anno, Compiler) cursed problem. And then what? Another www.lists.opn.org/mailman/listinfo/ five or even ten years in a nursing home, at What it is: The difference between (a) the org.opn.lists.right-to-die enormous expense to taxpayers? percentage of doctors in Italy, Sweden and (Derek Humphry, Compiler) Dear politicians, which would you Denmark (“non-permissive” countries with Readers who are hungry for more prefer? To spend many thousands keeping respect to aid in dying) who consult patients news than can be fitted into Free To Go us unwillingly alive in a semi-vegetative about end-of-life decisions, and (b) the may find it rewarding to access these state or instead to spend the same amount percentage of doctors in Belgium, Switzer- services themselves. of money improving our schools? You’ve land and the Netherlands (“permissive” chosen the latter? Splendid! As former countries) who consult patients. In the 3 teachers, we salute you. Don’t worry for a non-permissive countries, about 50% of second about prolonging our lives. In- doctors consult patients (competent ones, stead, please have the courage to defy re- of course); in the 3 permissive countries, ligious lobbying and legalise euthanasia, 81% of doctors consult with patients. thus permitting us to die in our own home, When patients are not competent, and at a time of our own choosing. only the patients’ relatives are available for Years ago I wrote some lines which we consultation, there is an even greater both believe express exactly how we would difference: 44% in the non-permissive like to make our quietus: countries, and 77% in the permissive The following letter to the editor was My darling Julie, my dear friend, countries. printed in the Sydney (Australia) Morning Now this is how I’d like to end: Herald on November 1: If, when we’re old, we’re both in pain Discussion: It does not seem likely that And know we won’t get well again, patients’ interests are better served by non- Let us choose death In our own home, to Bach divine, consultation than by consultation. Policy- over a degrading disease We’ll drink a farewell glass of wine makers in non-permissive countries often And, arms entwined, we’ll end our days claim to be “protecting the vulnerable”, but My wife Julie and I, both over 80, were To sounds of “Sheep May Safely Graze”.

Page 6 Free To Go Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 Yes, in our own bed will we lie, Many letters followed, most of them surely have been moved towards seeing the Take Nembutal, and sweetly die. from women. One suggested who stood to need for law reform. gain from unfettered reproduction: “The Non-print media also played a role. For John Morris priest requires large flocks, the militarist example, Quebec gynecologist Lise Fortier Tweed Heads cheap cannon fodder, and the exploiter began to discuss contraception on TV and cheap labor.” radio as early as 1960, in advance of the In her March 27 column McNaughton accepting climate which came into being printed the full text of the law that crim- after the Board of Broadcast Governors had inalized birth-control information, and in been persuaded to change the rule stating her September 22 column she provided the that birth control could never be mentioned addresses for the British and American on TV or radio without prior permission. I I firms that published the works of Marie Finally, high-profile newspapers such as O C/O C Stopes, the English activist and writer. On the Globe and Mail played an important (Birth C o n tro l / D e a th C o n tro l) November 17 the Western Producer even part. Two instances were the Globe’s ran an advertisement for “rubber goods”. sharply-worded 1961 comment on the Foreword: Less regional publications also contrib- Harold Fine case, and the ear-catching 1967 The campaign to legalize contraception uted to personal enlightenment and social “bedrooms of the nation” phrase (both has many parallels with the campaign to acceptance. The Canadian Periodical mentioned in last issue’s “bc/dc” column). let people have control over the time and Index, which covered such influential mag- Another example was a November 1965 the manner of their death. The opposition azines as Canadian Forum and Maclean’s Globe editorial on the occasion of an to birth control was fierce because it and Saturday Night, made a reference inquest into the death of Barbara Butcher sprang from a fierce instinct, the blind under the heading “Birth Control” as early from a self-induced abortion: “Mrs. Butcher and cruel “life force” bred into us by as March of 1925 (to a Canadian Forum was a victim of our law against the dissem- evolution. The fierce opposition to death article). ination of birth control information except control springs from the same instinct. In May of 1937, shortly after the end of when the public good can be shown to be The birth-control movement has triumph- the Dorothea Palmer trial, Canadian involved, but which fails to define public ed over its foe; this gives us hope that the Forum printed an edifying and entertaining good.” death-control movement will also report by Rev. Dr. Claris Edwin Silcox, who triumph. had been a star witness for the defence. Death Control – Canada – 1899+ (27 years later he was still a source of good – Ruth von Fuchs copy on the subject, contributing an article My choice of 1899 as starting year was entitled “Birth Control and Politics” to the slightly tongue-in-cheek, but on October 7 Parallel # 4: January 1960 issue of Canadian Com- of that year the Calgary Daily Herald did The Power of the Press ment.) print an editorial outlining the arguments The list of writers who produced articles of “Judge Simon E. Baldwin, an eminent Birth Control – Canada – 1925-1969 on birth control contains quite a few “big Connecticut jurist” in a paper presented at names”, such as June Callwood, Robert a meeting of the American Social Sciences The Saskatoon paper Western Producer Fulford, and Hugh Garner. Garner profiled Association. Baldwin’s paper was “devoted was established in 1925 as the voice of the birth-control philanthropist A. R. Kaufman to criticising and condemning the alleged Saskatchewan Grain Growers Association. in the March 21 1953 issue of Saturday practice of uselessly and wrongly prolonging In 1927 Violet McNaughton, the editor of Night. When Callwood wrote a piece for the the lives of patients at the point of death”. its women’s pages, took up the “voluntary July 19 1958 issue of Maclean’s, she took However, significant press and media motherhood” cause. the direct and pragmatic approach indic- attention to our cause is fairly recent. My She began on January 6 by printing ated by the article’s title: “How Good is the files are not by any means complete, but a letter from a man who lamented the Birth-Control Pill?” And when Fulford edit- they do show that legal scholars were dis- suppression of knowledge about contra- orialized on the subject, in the March 21 cussing the issue in the 1980s; for instance, ception, saying that “the result of this gross 1964 issue of Saturday Night, he mar- law professor Bernard Dickens had stupidity is that thousands of women, for shalled so many powerful facts and an article entitled “The Right to Natural lack of better knowledge, are reduced to arguments that his readers (who almost Death” printed in the McGill Law Review in mere instruments of child-bearing.” certainly included many politicians) must 1981.

Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 Free To Go Page 7 In material from the popular press, one sidering a policy similar to the one which can often see the influence of the criminal had recently been adopted in the Nether- CH O ICE IN D YING status still possessed by the actions being lands, allowing euthanasia for incurably O TTA WA applauded or sought. When John Hofsess’ suffering infants. The headline shrieked right-to-die article “A Candle in the Wind” that doctors were demanding “Let us kill P.O. Box 1829, Almonte, Ont., K0A 1A0 was published by HomeMaker’s magazine, disabled babies.” Every one of the last three pzz@ magma.ca the letters page in the next issue included a words is the most emotional and inflam- 613-256-3918 strongly positive response from a woman matory term that could possibly have been with breast cancer. Her letter was one of found. (Report by Paul Zollmann) five on the page, and it was the only “Name Withheld” letter (page 6 in Jan.-Feb. 1992 CIDO held a meeting on November 27. issue). Although journalists were energ- Paul gave a brief report on the World Fed- etically searching for “real people” to quote, eration conference, which he and Deltry instead of scholars or activists, most real had attended. Some highlights: people were hiding because they feared that – Colombia: Discussion groups and lect- if their lives ended earlier than their doctors Quarterly Retort ures at universities and high schools have had expected, their spouses or children been very effective. A full-page advert- might be arrested or at least subjected to isement about the Schiavo case and the very hostile interrogation. They Say: need for living wills produced over 5000 Sue Rodriguez was an exception, and responses. her case received a great deal of coverage, Euthanasia and assisted suicide should – Japan: The group there has 113,000 most of it quite thoughtful and sympa- not be made legal, because society must members now. They published a book on thetic. Journalistic practice may be such protect its vulnerable citizens. living wills, with analysis and samples from that each country is allotted one person to around the world. Currently they are work- be that country’s symbol of choice in dying We Reply: ing with hospitals to develop guidelines – e.g. Welby in Italy, Humbert in France, for withdrawing treatment. Sampedro in Spain, and Pretty in England. Yes, citizens must indeed be protected, – Oregon: There are few skiers on the slip- Sue seems to be Canada’s symbol-person. but from what? From certain events, or pery slope; out of 1000 people who con- But although many journalists became from certain experiences? Death is an template assisted suicide, only 1 person more sensitive and informed through Sue’s unwelcome event when it means the end of goes as far as obtaining the medication. case, outcroppings of ancient thought pat- pleasant experiences, but when it means – United Kingdom: Lord Joffe revised his terns can still be seen. Reporter Richard the end of unpleasant experiences it can be bill to make terminal illness a requirement, Watts from the Victoria Times-Colonist very welcome. People who are at great risk as it is in Oregon; but even though this was wrote quite a few articles during the trial of for horrible experiences may not want to be intended to reassure opponents, several Evelyn Martens, and he conscientiously protected from death, they may want to be religious groups organized a successful avoided using the loaded word “victim” protected by death. campaign to defeat the bill. The England- when referring to either of the women to and-Wales group (which has changed its whom Evelyn had provided information and name to Dignity in Dying because its companionship. But when his copy editor original name contained the word “euthan- came to write the headlines for these asia”) has 10,000 e-mail activists and 300 stories, haste or old habits (or maybe some- terminally ill campaigners. They surveyed thing worse) resulted in the V-word being disabled people and found the same level of used on four occasions. support for assisted suicide (80%) as in the An extreme instance of a slanted head- general population. line, worthy of being used in journalism Paul also distributed samples of a texts as a “horrible example”, is the one Note: Viewpoints expressed in a bookmark that he and Deltry are inserting that was attached to a Times of London particular group’s contribution to this into library books before returning them – article on November 5. The article was section are not necessarily those of other this tactic has produced results for some US quite a calm and balanced report on the groups, or of the Canadian choice-in- groups. He is prepared to provide custom- fact that British neonatologists were con- dying movement as a whole. ized bookmarks for anybody else who wants

Page 8 Free To Go Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 to try this strategy. plan was ratified by our board of dir- In the discussion part of the meeting, ectors. This plan concentrates on strength- RIG H T TO D IE SO CIETY some time was spent on the idea of fost- ening our communications and fund- O F CA NA D A ering caucuses of supporters within the development capabilities, while at the various professional associations (medical, same time expanding our Client Support 145 Macdonell Ave., Toronto, M6R 2A4 legal, etc.). There was also some discussion Program to include a focus on education. contact@ righttodie.ca about , as the sixth annivers- It continues to be a primary concern of www.righttodie.ca ary of his imprisonment approached DWD to ensure that Canadians have the 416-535-0690 (January 18). greatest choice possible at the end of life. Plans were made to hold a spring Continuing to support individuals in ach- (Report by Ruth von Fuchs) meeting, in Almonte this time. ieving this goal remains an important objective of the Client Support Program, but As mentioned on page 2, a francophone we want to reach a substantial number of right-to-die group is being formed in Can- health-care professionals and hospice or ada. Our group has quite a few members palliative-care workers with information with French surnames and/or Quebec ad- on these choices as well. dresses; we want these people to feel that D YING WITH D IG NITY Dying With Dignity participated in a they can support both the new group and CA NA D A number of public events during this period. their “old” group (RTDSC). We have there- In addition to an hour-long interview on fore adopted a policy of giving half-price 55 Eglinton Ave. E., # 802 the Embrace Aging Program, University of membership to people who belong to Toronto, Ont., M4P 1G8 Victoria radio, DWD hosted a public another Canadian right-to-die group (and dbabey@ dyingwithdignity.ca presentation on end-of-life choice in St. the other group does not have to be the www.dyingwithdignity.ca Catharines, Ontario, shared thoughts with a francophone group). 416-486-3998 Fax 416-486-5562 master-of-philosophy class at York Univers- In order to have fees that are easily 1-800-495-6156 ity, presented to a meeting of front-line divisible by 2, we are reducing our annual workers at Hospice Vaughn (Toronto), met rates to $30 for a single membership and (Report by Don Babey) with colleagues at a Hospice Association $40 for a couple/family membership. of Ontario communications workshop and We did not have to go very long with a The final three months of 2006 were attended the annual general meeting of the reduced advisory board; Susan Bracken, busy ones for Dying With Dignity. Following Advocacy Centre for the Elderly in Toronto. a resident of Barrie (Ontario), has agreed to the very successful Challenge in Choice A goal for 2007 will be to spend more “step into the breach”. Having worked as conference in September, we put our time outside of the greater-Toronto area. a writer (reference works, ads, and other collective efforts into summarizing the Thanks to a very generous grant of over non-fiction) she has professional skills that proceedings, especially for those who could $5,000 from Alterna Savings and Credit are very welcome. And like many of our not attend. The results of our efforts are a Union, Dying with Dignity will be host- members, she has had close-up experience 36-page summary of the conference, and ing several public information sessions of a dying that was not good, which has 11 DVDs of most of the sessions. The throughout Ontario in 2007. These ses- fuelled her determination to do what she summary document will be sent out to all sions will focus on the importance of can to improve the situation. our members in March 2007. Non- advance care planning and the completion During 2006 our website continued to members can get a copy, free of charge, of advance directives. We will also be rise through the ranks of Google.ca, and by by visiting our website or contacting our hosting public events in Saskatoon, Regina fall it seemed to be securely ensconced in office. The DVDs can be ordered by com- and Calgary, during a tour of western the number-one spot – when people type pleting and returning the form included at Canada in May/June. “right to die” on the Google search screen, the end of this issue of Free To Go, by 2007 stands to be another very busy year our site is now the first one to display on ordering on our website, or by contacting for DWD! their results page. This high visibility has our office. led to many student inquiries and new Along with documenting the past, we memberships. also looked to the future during these three As has been my custom in the fourth- months. Following a successful strategic- quarter reports, I close with a brief outline planning meeting in June a new three-year of our financial situation:

Vol.8, No.4 Oct.- Dec. 2006 Free To Go Page 9 Financial Statem ent for 2006 The film was co-produced by five Eur- opean public broadcasters: TSR and TSI Carried forward from 2005 5470 (Swiss), Arte (French and German), TV2 Memberships/renewals 6611 (Danish), and YLE (Finnish). In late June Last Words Gifts 1629 it won the European Broadcasting Union’s Transfer from Choices In Dying 1265 Golden Link award at the Sunny Side of the Do They Know Som ething I Don’t Know? Interest (on GICs) 334 Doc festival in Marseilles, and before that it T-shirt sales 232 had won awards at several other festivals A Free To Go reader who was talking A) Total “Black Ink” 15,541 (Visions du Réel, FIPA, Etats Généraux). with me on the phone a while ago told me Here is an excerpt from the review in about something rather thought-provoking GIC purchase 9000 Variety (October 24, 2006): that had happened to her. Postage 1243 “Melgar neatly juxtaposes the matter-of- As part of making her end-of-life ar- FTG printing (RTDSC share) 984 fact bureaucratic concerns of the associat- rangements (living will, representation Telephone (RTDSC share, estimated) 510 ion against intensely intimate exchanges agreement, and so on) she had planned her Office supplies (estimated) 410 between individuals. While in committee funeral. She even prepaid it, using her VISA Website costs 253 discussions, questions of life and death and card. Document purchase 100 the rules of final care-giving play out against When her statement came, she dis- World-Federation Conference expenses 80 the drabness of folding-chair officialdom covered that she had earned travel points by T-shirts to print 77 and parliamentary rules. doing this. World Federation dues 69 These scenes contrast with sequences Bank fees 69 accenting the fragility of the caregivers. In B) Total “Red Ink” 12,795 one memorable shot, a volunteer stands pensively staring out her window as her re- On hand at year end: lentless answering machine spews a litany Current account (A minus B) 2746 of suffering and need. GIC account 18,283 [The film] is bookended by two scenes: in the first an elderly woman with an in- curable disease firmly tells her facilitator that she has decided to end her life in a week, remaining steadfast under a steady flow of questions. In the last scene, the fac- ilitator delivers the fatal potion, the camera REVIEW remaining on his emotion-ravaged face as he watches her slip away.” You can order a DVD of the film on this EXIT: The Right to Die site: Fernand Melgar, Director http://www.artfilm.ch/exit.php?lang= e The total cost will be about $40 Cdn. This documentary pre- The disk is described as being in universal Free To Go miered in North America format but people outside Europe may during the fall of 2006 (e.g. at the Van- have to play it on a computer rather than Contact Information: couver Film Festival on October 8 and 11, on an ordinary DVD player. Ruth von Fuchs, Editor and at the Film Forum in New York be- 145 Macdonell Ave., Toronto, ginning on October 25). Canada, M6R 2A4 Its subject is European, however: it [email protected] presents some “days in the life” of one of 416-535-0690 the Swiss aid-in-dying groups called EXIT, namely the French-speaking group, head- Design: Gail Beglin ( is five COMMUNICATIONS) ed by Dr. Jerome Sobel. The group began in Danna Thompson 1980 and now has over 10,000 members.

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