In this episode of Euthanasia & Disability, Amy Hasbrouck and Christian Debray discuss:
- “Project Value”
- “The Euthanasia Deception”
Please note that this text is only a script and that our webcast contains additional commentary.
#PROJECTVALUE
- Project Value is a Facebook page that features videos made by people with disabilities to challenge the popular idea of what it means to be disabled.
- The page’s sponsors state: “As we enter complex discussion in Canada about doctor-assisted suicide, we worry that Canadians are only getting one side of the disability story – that death is a natural choice for these ‘poor suffering disabled people.’ But this story doesn’t speak to the experiences of many with disabilities.
- According to organizers, the project seeks to explore a different perspective; to share stories and experiences that contradict the narrative that disability is a fate worse than death. This is about projecting the value of disabled people.
- The project aims to reach out to young people and recently disabled people to show that “It’s OK to be disabled.”
- Project Value posted its first video on July 25, and has since posted 16 videos by disabled people.
- Each video begins with a description of the person’s diagnosis, prognosis, and a description of their functional limitations. Then the person talks about the quality and value of their life beyond their medical status.
- People who have posted videos include Catherine Frazee, Ing Wong Ward, Tracy Odell, Etta Ginsberg McEwan, Norm Kunc and Tim Rose.
- Up to now, none of the videos are in French.
- Project Value is looking for more disabled people to contribute videos. Go to www.facebook.com/projectmyvalue to view the videos, or for information about making your own.
“THE EUTHANASIA DECEPTION”
- The Euthanasia Deception is a one-hour documentary featuring powerful testimonies from Belgium and beyond – of those devastated by the false ideology of ‘mercy killing’,
- According to the documentary’s producers, the film aims to expose three main deceptions of doctor-assisted dying:
- First, that euthanasia and assisted suicide are forms of compassion.
- Second is the myth of autonomy – that decisions made between doctor and patient operate in a vacuum.
- And finally, that government ‘safeguards’ can truly protect the vulnerable.
- Testimonies include:
- Prof. Tom Mortier, whose depressed mother was euthanized without his knowledge;
- Hendrick, whose grandfather’s death was ‘hastened’ without request – years before his time;
- “James”, who regrets family pressure to euthanize his mother;
- Lionel, who is routinely asked by Belgian strangers why he will not euthanize his severely disabled daughter;
- Mark, an MS survivor, grateful there was no law allowing him to kill himself when he was diagnosed; and
- Kristina, a nurse who shares her remorseful experience with assisted death.
- With expert analysis from both medical and legal professions, the film reveals the serious, long-term implications of assisted dying laws, and proves that all of us become vulnerable when end-of-life care is handed over to lawmakers.
- The release of The Euthanasia Deception marks the launch of CaringNotKilling.com a new, global resistance movement which utilizes the power of film and social media to combat misinformation being presented by mainstream media. The movement resists the acceptance of euthanasia while providing data to resist its legalization.
- CaringNotKilling is also dedicated to providing support and assistance to individuals through Compassionate Community Care services; to help people who need advice concerning medical treatment issues or who need protection from euthanasia and assisted suicide.
- The film is produced by the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition in association with DunnMedia and supported by contributions from organizations and individuals throughout the world. A version with French subtitles will be out in late September.
- For more information visit the website at www.vulnerablefilm.com.
