Statement from the Canadian Bishops on the 10th Anniversary of Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (“MAID”)

The Standing Committee for Family and Life of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), with authorization from the Permanent Council, has issued a statement marking the 10th anniversary of Bill C-14, the legislation that legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada under the term “Medical Assistance in Dying” (“MAID”) on 17 June, 2016.

In its statement, the CCCB reiterates its opposition to euthanasia and assisted suicide, while calling for renewed commitment to authentic palliative care across the country. The statement also summarizes key statistics and raises concerns about the continued expansion of “MAID” legislation and its impact on vulnerable Canadians.

The CCCB affirms the profound dignity and value of every human life, emphasizing that true compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, pain relief, and authentic palliative care.

As part of this anniversary, the Standing Committee encourages renewed prayer for the sick, the suffering, the dying, and their families, caregivers, and health care professionals; for those who have died through “MAID” and for their loved ones; and for the conversion of hearts and minds toward a culture that receives every life as a gift and never abandons those most in need.

The full statement, including a prayer and additional resources, is available here.

The CCCB’s Standing Committee for Family and Life is supported by the Office for Family and Life, which furthers the work of the Bishops of Canada by supporting dioceses and eparchies in the pastoral care of families and in promoting a culture that welcomes and protects life from conception to natural death.