EFC Election Kit 2008: Fact Sheet on Respect for Human Life

Abortion

Life is a gift from God that should be respected and protected through all of its stages, beginning at conception.

There are no legal restrictions on abortion in Canada. Abortions may be performed up until a child is born, using any means available. Court decisions have found that the unborn child should receive some measure of protection, but that it is up to the Parliament and the provincial legislatures to determine what protection should be given.

Since 1991 when proposed abortion legislation was passed by the House of Commons and defeated by tie vote in the Senate, Canada has had no law regulating or preventing abortion and the government has made no effort to introduce a new law.

Questions to ask on this issue:

• What do you believe should be the legal status of the unborn child?
• Would you support the introduction of legislation to regulate and limit abortion in Canada?

Euthanasia

God calls Christians to care for the vulnerable, including the sick and elderly.

Currently, the terminally ill and elderly are protected by laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide, but there have been a number of initiatives in Parliament that would make assisted suicide legal, including Bill C-506, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Die with Dignity), which was introduced June 12, 2008.

A Senate Committee report has recommended greater support for palliative care funding and research, to relieve pain and suffering.

Questions to ask on this issue:

• Do you support maintaining and enforcing the existing laws against euthanasia and assisted suicide? 
• Currently only five per cent of Canadians have access to palliative care. What steps will you take to support palliative care?