By Nigel Maxwell

Supreme Court ruling on doctor-assisted death saddens terminally ill woman

Feb 10, 2015 | 7:05 AM

Janet Webster, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, is disappointed with the Supreme Court of Canada decision to strike down the ban on doctor-assisted suicide.

On Friday, the high court ruled that adults who are seek this kind of medical assistance because they have a “grevious and irremediable medical condition that causes enduring and intolerable suffering” are constitutionally able to do so.  “An individual’s response to a grievous and irremediable medical condition is a matter critical to their dignity and autonomy,” the court ruled.

The federal government now has one year to draft new legislation.

Webster, 61, who was diagnosed with breast cancer that metastasized to her lungs, liver and bones, is concerned about what the ruling will mean. She said the ruling made her feel sad and disappointed.

“I know the cliche is going around about slippery slope, but I really do believe that’s likely to be the case,” she said. 

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She said the media highlights the cases that are extremely emotional and hold those up as being proof of the right decision.  “Lots of vulnerable people are going to be affected by this.”

Webster, who is a proponent for hospice care, said she would never consider a doctor-assisted death. She said in her experience, she has seen friends and family make complete turnarounds with good care.

“We have a friend who is now 86 years old, who about six years ago care was withdrawn [for] and they thought it was a matter of hours. They called us in and they said ‘if you want to see him you’d better come tonight.’ The next day, when we went in to see him, my husband noticed that the bag where his fluids were being kept was full, his kidneys were working, they were astounded at the hospital,” said Webster.

Webster, originally from England, moved to Canada in 2006 to live with her husband. Earlier in the day on Monday, she spoke with her husband about his experience with his own mother where care was withdrawn. She said her husband is still tormented to this day.

“Had care not been withdrawn, would the outcome have been different? Would she not have died and carried on to live longer?”

Webster said that she would rather have good palliative care so that her own friends and relatives don’t feel traumatized by her deciding that she’s “had enough.”

She remains very optimistic about her own future.  She does not know how much time she has left.

“I’ve said quite clearly to my husband and anyone else who will listen I don’t want to know. I’m much happier going from day to day, week to week without knowing what the prognosis is,” she said.

Plans continue for a hospice in Prince Albert.

The group behind the Rose Garden Hospice has the support of two benefactors. They hope to see the facility built within five years.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell