SoVote

Bill C-230

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

October 05, 2022

Bill C-230 is an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada that aims to protect health care professionals from being intimidated or discriminated against for their refusal to participate in medical assistance in dying (MAID). The bill makes it an offense to intimidate a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or any other health care professional in order to force them to be involved, directly or indirectly, in providing MAID. It also makes it an offense for employers to refuse to employ or dismiss a health care professional solely because they refuse to participate in MAID. The purpose of this bill is to safeguard the freedom of conscience and religion of health care professionals who object to being involved in MAID.

Steelman argument in favor of Bill C-230: Bill C-230, also known as the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, aims to protect the freedom of conscience of medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who object to participating in medical assistance in dying (MAID). This bill establishes that it is an offense to intimidate or coerce healthcare professionals to take part in MAID against their will, as well as to dismiss or refuse to employ them solely based on their refusal to participate. A steelman argument in favor of this bill is that it upholds the fundamental rights and freedoms of healthcare professionals. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms grants everyone the freedom of conscience and religion. By recognizing and protecting the freedom of these professionals who object to MAID on ethical, moral, or religious grounds, this bill respects and upholds their Charter rights.

Steelman argument opposing Bill C-230: Bill C-230, also known as the Protection of Freedom of Conscience Act, seeks to amend the Criminal Code to make it an offence to intimidate or dismiss healthcare professionals who refuse to participate in medical assistance in dying (MAID). However, there are valid concerns with this legislation. First and foremost, it is important to recognize that MAID is a legal and regulated medical procedure in Canada. By criminalizing intimidation or dismissal of healthcare professionals who refuse to participate in MAID, this bill undermines the principle of patient autonomy and the right to access legal medical services. It could potentially create barriers to healthcare and limit patients' choices. Furthermore, by protecting the freedom of conscience of healthcare professionals who object to participating in MAID, this legislation fails to adequately consider the rights and well-being of patients who ma