Providence Health Care is being taken to court by a family and some euthanasia advocates who are challenging the B.C. government policy which allows faith-based facilities not to provide euthanasia.
The government of B.C. recognized the distinctive ethos of faith-based care institutions and developed an agreement with a group of them that “preserves the respective religious missions and values of the founding owners and sponsors of their health care facilities in the province.” This group represents 44 facilities of 12 different religious groups including Baptist, Mennonite, Pentecostal, Salvation Army and Roman Catholic.
St. Paul’s Hospital, a member of Providence, will transfer the care of a patient who requests MAiD (euthanasia) to another facility. St. Paul’s argues this policy protects its integrity and Christian ethic.
Granted intervener status in this case, the EFC is arguing for a Christian hospital to be able to provide health care without compromising its Christian ethic.
“A truly public system welcomes this provision of health care that reflects the religious diversity of the province and the provision of care animated by religious communities,” says Bruce J. Clemenger, the EFC’s director of legal affairs.
Christians have offered medical care throughout Church history as an expression of God’s love and the belief that everyone bears the image of God. This has been a defining feature in Canadian history as well. Yet the ability to provide care consistent with a facility’s founding vision and mission is being challenged as governments have assumed increasing financial responsibilities.
This case will determine whether faith-based health care facilities are able to be MAiD-free spaces, protecting both medical professionals who do not want to participate in the provision of MAiD for reasons of conscience or deeply held belief as well as patients who are concerned about being pressured toward MAiD.
Related Resources:
- Read the EFC’s legal arguments (factum)