What is the Catholic Church in Canada's Position on MAiD?

The Catholic Church in Canada, represented by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), maintains a staunch opposition to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). This unified stance is reflected in their unequivocal message that institutions and associations operating under the Church's name will not permit MAiD. Calgary's Bishop William McGrattan, serving as the president of the CCCB, emphasized during the annual CCCB plenary assembly that the Church is committed to promoting dignified care through palliative care rather than medically-provided death. McGrattan's statements, made in the context of the assembly held from September 25-29, 2023, underscore the Church's dedication to upholding the dignity of the human person in Catholic health care settings​​.

This position is further underscored by the Church's response to legislative changes and societal pressures. The CCCB has actively participated in national dialogues, expressing its concerns over Bill C-7 and its implications for expanding eligibility for legally-sanctioned suicide. The bishops, along with other religious leaders, have articulated their profound ethical and moral objections to euthanasia and assisted suicide, framing MAiD as a direct affront to the sanctity of life, which they equate to murder. Their collective stance, aimed at preserving the integrity of life and offering a critique of societal moral regression, highlights the depth of their opposition​​.

Furthermore, the CCCB's formal statements reiterate their unanimous and unequivocal opposition to the performance of either euthanasia or assisted suicide within health organizations with a Catholic identity. Issued on November 30, 2023, these statements reinforce the Church's moral teachings on the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person. The bishops have articulated that efforts to compel Catholic facilities to perform MAiD would betray the identity of Catholic institutions and violate Catholic teaching. They advocate for comprehensive palliative care that addresses not only physical pain but also existential, psychological, and spiritual needs, positioning it as a life-affirming alternative that aligns with Canadian values of care and inclusion​​.

The CCCB's stance is a testament to the Catholic Church's broader commitment to advocating for the inviolability of life at all stages, offering a clear moral and ethical critique of MAiD legislation in Canada. Through their statements and actions, the Canadian bishops aim to foster a society that prioritizes compassionate care and support for the vulnerable over interventions that end life.