“Let me go to the house of the Father.”

As Catholics, we believe that life is precious, from the moment of conception to natural death. As the debate around end of life issues continues in our country, it is important for Catholics to:

• Learn more about the church’s teachings on life issues, especially in relation to euthanasia, palliative care and organ donation.

• Advocate on behalf of those who have lost their voice. As Catholics, we can ask our leaders to ensure our laws protect life at all stages.

• Pray for those who are suffering in the world, both those close to us and those who are alone in their struggle.

Bill C-384 to Legalize Euthanasia

We encourage all Catholics to learn about Bill C-384 and the broader issue. This bill will amend the criminal code to allow a medical practitioner, subject to certain conditions, to aid a person who is experiencing severe physical or mental pain without any prospect of relief or is suffering from a terminal illness to "die with dignity" once the person has expressed his or her free and informed consent to die. Contact your local MP and encourage them to vote against any legislation that legalizes assisted suicide or euthanasia.

• What is Bill C-384?

• A Summary of the Bill

• Analysis of the Bill

• Action Items

  1. One-page Primer for Parish Bulletins :: English :: French
  2. Ideas for letters to your Member of Parliament :: English :: French
  3. To find your Member of Parliament, link to this site and enter your postal code
  

Resources

Below you will find links and documents that will help you learn more about these important issues. We thank all those who continue to stand up for life in the world. For each one of us has been given a precious gift, the gift of life that should be lived joyfully, shared with others and filled with peace, hope and love.

(NEW) Everyone is worthy of love to the end
Resource re: Bill C-384 from Toronto Right to Life - February 2010

Never Again (A Report on the 2nd International Symposium on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide)
Written by Ms. Michele Boulva, Director of the Catholic Organization for Life and Family- June 2009

Dealing with Chronic Pain, A Personal Experience :: English :: French
Written by Alison Davis, National Coordinator for No Less Human - May 2009

Going to the House of the Father :: English :: French
A Statement on the Dignity and Destiny of Human Life (Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops) – April 2007

Bulletin Inserts for Parish or Personal Use :: English :: French
(for parish or personal use)

1. The Gift of Life
2. The End of Life
3. The Human Response to Pain & Suffering
4. End of Life Care

Intercessions/Prayer for Life :: English :: French
(for parish or personal use)

Living, Suffering and Dying…What For? – produced by COLF (Catholic Organization for Life & Family) – January 2007

Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide – Urgent Questions – produced by COLF (Catholic Organization for Life & Family) – October 2006

Giving Something of Ourselves: A Message on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation
produced by COLF & the Catholic Health Association of Canada - February 2001

Message of His Holiness, Benedict XVI – For the Fifteenth World Day of the Sick – February 11, 2007

Letter from Auxiliary Bishop Richard Grecco on organ and tissue donation "The Gift of Life" - May 28, 2007

Additional Resources: (organizational websites)

Catholic Organization for Life & Family – additional resources

Catholic Health Association of Canada