What else will we force doctors to do?

Re: Man’s final day turns into painful ordeal, Sept. 28.

I wonder if those who are eager to force all doctors and hospitals to take part in killing rather than healing have fully thought through the implications.

For instance, is euthanasia the only service every doctor would have to provide, or should every doctor have to provide every available medical procedure?

Would every single doctor be required to kill, including obstetricians, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists, oral surgeons and dermatologists? How long before the list expands to include dentists, midwives, pharmacists and nurses?

Would every health facility have to provide euthanasia, from religious hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices, to abortion clinics and medical labs?

If I’m caring for my dying mother at home and receiving government support, would I be forced to kill?

If the law changes again and the state wants to end the lives of criminals, the disabled, the mentally ill, or those whose organs are needed, would those be among the expanded services doctors would be required to perform too?

Or more likely, is it just antiCatholic bigotry that is clouding people’s emotions and thought processes as euthanasia starts taking hold across Canada? Paul Schratz, Director, Communications Office, Archdiocese of Vancouver