Planning for final exit

CMAJ recently covered a seminar in Toronto at which Dr. Philip Nitschke discussed the right of people of sound mind to decide to end their lives and their right to a safe means to do so.1 Readers may have the erroneous impression that the event was sponsored by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto.

In fact, the seminar was sponsored by Safe Exit International. Having been denied rentals at other public places in Toronto, the group approached us. We agree that people should be able to choose the time of their own death, and the Canadian Unitarian Council advocates for changes to the law about choice in dying. Safe Exit International, while supporting this concept, also advocates for obtaining illegal drugs or other means of committing suicide. Our position gives equal weight to the need for better palliative care and community support so that terminally ill people receive what they need while they make their choices about death and dying.

Our position is consistent with Unitarian Universalists’ core beliefs in the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and society, and that each person has the right to a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.