Canadian Court Kills Ban on Doctor-Assisted Suicide

The Canadian Supreme Court has opened the door to doctor-assisted suicide.

The court struck down prohibitions against the practice and ruled that Canadian Parliament should create a limited system of exceptions.

The Alliance Defending Freedom had been helping in the fight to uphold the ban on euthanasia. ADF Senior Counsel Brett Harvey expressed disappointment that the court has essentially legalized it.

"Suffering patients need sound medical treatment and real compassion, not encouragement to take their own lives," he said.

But it's not all bad news for the pro-life movement. The court decided to protect doctors' rights to conscience and religious freedom, ruling that they cannot be forced to participate in killing someone.

"The decision significantly protects medical professionals by declaring that no one can be forced to participate in killing another human being," Harvey said.