Euthanasia & Abortion: Political Stats and more...

Euthanasia is taken from a Greek word meaning ‘die well’. Some may argue that dying well would mean painlessly leaving this world when the alternative may be living in pain, discomfort, regret, and burden on yourself, and your loved ones.

There is a constant difference that arises when discussing euthanasia, which do you value more? Quality of life or quantity of life?

Most political parties don’t really discuss euthanasia all that much. However, over the past 20 years or so, there have been differences of opinion about abortion (which as you may have guessed, we find to be comparable). We should acknowledge that people don’t always see the comparison because they don’t consider a fetus a person until a specific date, but for argumentative purposes, we consider a fetus a life once it is conceived.

Since the January 2006 election, one-third of MP’s in Parliament can be labeled anti-choice, the majority of whom are Conservatives. To be anti-choice or pro-choice is identified with the power to make decisions about your life. Those who believe in pro-choice often also believe in euthanasia, not always, but often. The difference again is how and when you consider a fetus to be a life.

Action Canada Population and Development (ACPD) reported a new total of 90 anti-choice MPs from all parties, 16 Liberals and 74 Conservatives. There were 5 fewer anti-choice Liberal MPs and only 4 more anti-choice Conservative MPs. 65 MPs did not state their positions, (42 Conservatives, 23 Liberals). Also, there were 3 more pro-choice Conservative MPs, for a total of 8, and a total of 64 pro-choice Liberals. ACPD says that abortion rights should be safe during this Parliament, because of the minority of potential anti-choice votes. (www.arcc-cdac.ca)

The above statistics show the patterns of how the MP’s of Canada viewed the topic of choice. With the majority or pro-choice perspectives held within the Liberal Party. One would argue that those numbers have not changed much in the last two years.

We find it most interesting to figure out how and when change takes place. How does one change their minds on such ‘touchy’ and personal issues? When it comes to abortion, some may change their minds when their partner, or daughter, or friend, is prematurely pregnant. For euthanasia, some may begin to think about it more when they see their loved one falls ill, and in pain. Or maybe when they see someone suffering, and know that their life is nearing the end, so why the extra unnecessary pain? However, some people may never change their mind, and of course, that’s ok too. We are individuals, for the reasons that we can have our individual opinions and individual choices (although not all choices are granted yet).

Please continue to comment and share your ideas on some of these points. We welcome your thoughts, and appreciate your feedback and/or suggestions.

The information from this entry is taken from:
-Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (www.arcc-cdac.ca)