OTTAWA, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Canada's Supreme Court struck down a 21-year ban on physician-assisted suicide, opening the door for terminally ill patients to make the decision about life or death.
In the landmark 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada said the ban goes too far by preventing competent, consenting adults suffering "grievous and irremediable medical conditions" from making their own life decisions. The judges said the law is unconstitutional and "infringes the right to life, liberty and security of the person in a manner that is not in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice."
The case was launched by two women, each suffering from debilitating diseases. Both women have since died, but their families carried on with the assistance of the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association.
The organization applauded the ruling.
"This means that seriously and incurably ill Canadians who are suffering unbearably will have the choice to seek the assistance of a doctor to have a compassionate and peaceful death. Physician-assisted dying will now be recognized for what it is – a medical service," said Grace Pastine, the civil liberties association litigation director.
The court suspended the declaration for 12 months to give the local and federal governments time to respond.
Harold Albrecht, a conservative member of parliament, said he was "very disappointed" by the ruling.
The ruling is limited to competent adults who have a terminal illness and consent to the procedure. The law prohibits non-medical professionals from providing assistance.
