{"id":4425,"date":"2019-09-06T15:26:04","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T15:26:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/?p=4425"},"modified":"2019-09-09T15:40:13","modified_gmt":"2019-09-09T15:40:13","slug":"webcast-archive-matercare-conference-presentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/2019\/09\/webcast-archive-matercare-conference-presentation\/","title":{"rendered":"Webcast archive: MaterCare conference presentation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In this episode of\u00a0<em>Euthanasia &amp; Disability<\/em>, Amy Hasbrouck discusses her upcoming presentation for the MaterCare conference with the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.<\/p>\n<p>Due to a technical issue, there will be no audio\/video available for this week\u2019s webcast.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">PRESENTATION FOR THE MATERCARE CONFERENCE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">This week we offer the presentation that Amy will give at the MaterCare International Conference in Rome on September 20.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">People with disabilities are the population most affected by death-hastening practices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Everyone with a terminal illness has a disability, but not everyone with a disability has a terminal illness<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Disability is an eligibility criterion in many Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia (AS\/E) laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The most common reasons cited for life-ending requests relate to disability:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Loss of autonomy;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">No longer able to do things they enjoy;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Perceived loss of dignity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Feeling like a burden.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Understanding the ways disability is viewed by society can help us understand why disability is seen as reason enough for hastened death.\u00a0 Disabled scholars have identified several\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tvndy.us9.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=2a6627f6e4b701a473f0f131f&amp;id=37fb5294dc&amp;e=4a86d7ff20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">&#8220;models\u201d of disability<\/a>\u00a0that answer the questions:\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is disability?<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Why does it occur \/ where does it come from?<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What and where is the \u201cproblem\u201d?<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is the \u201cremedy\u201d for the \u201cproblem\u201d?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The Religious or Moral model of disability was how Western societies viewed disability until about 150 years ago, and there are still remnants today.\u00a0 It says that disability is the manifestation of a punishment from God for sins or transgressions; or it is a test of faith or potential path to salvation.\u00a0 The religious model would answer the questions as follows:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is disability? \u2013 It is a manifestation of the will of God.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Why does it occur \/ where does it come from? \u2013 It is a punishment for sins or a test of faith.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What and where is the \u201cproblem\u201d? \u2013 The person\u2019s character or behaviour.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is the \u201cremedy\u201d for the \u201cproblem\u201d? \u2013 Live right and pray for healing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The medical model of disability emerged in the 19th century and says that disability is a medical problem that resides in the individual. It is a\u00a0<\/span>defect in or failure of the body or mind and is inherently abnormal and pathological. The goals of intervention are cure, amelioration of the condition, and rehabilitation.\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is disability? \u2013 an abnormality or pathology.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Why does it occur \/ where does it come from? \u2013 the body or mind does not conform or perform to \u201cnormal\u201d specifications.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What and where is the \u201cproblem\u201d? \u2013 The person.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is the \u201cremedy\u201d for the \u201cproblem\u201d? \u2013 cure the defect or modify the person to be as close to \u201cnormal\u201d as possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The Social model of disability was developed by people with disabilities in the 1970s.\u00a0 It says that disability is the disadvantage or restriction of activity\u00a0<\/span>caused by a social organisation which takes no or little account of people with impairments and thus excludes them from participation in the mainstream of civic and social life.\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is disability? \u2013 The conflict between a given person\u2019s needs and abilities, the requirements of daily life, and the resources available in the environment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Why does it occur \/ where does it come from? \u2013 When the environment does not suit the needs of the person.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What and where is the \u201cproblem\u201d? \u2013 In the environment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">What is the \u201cremedy\u201d for the \u201cproblem\u201d? \u2013 Change the environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The legacy of the Religious and Medical models is the devaluation and disempowerment of people with disabilities.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The eugenics movement which began in the 19th century had strong moral overtones, even as it relied on \u201cmedical science\u201d to justify sterilization and euthanasia of people with all kinds of disabilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">A major motivation behind the AS\/E movement is the idea that it\u2019s better to be dead than disabled.\u00a0 While most people are too polite to say it to our faces, we disabled people hear it said often enough to know it lurks in the minds of most people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Thus it\u2019s no surprise that people who develop disabilities do not want to self-identify as disabled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">In every society on earth, becoming disabled means a loss of status, power and prestige.\u00a0 It usually means loss of employment and descent into poverty.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Also, a newly-disabled person must confront a lifetime of stockpiled stereotypes about disabled people which now apply to them.\u00a0 From fairy tales to soap operas, physical imperfection is equated with evil, laziness, ineptitude, greed, loneliness and many other negative traits.\u00a0 Though it would make sense to examine and reject these stereotypes, without an alternative vision, people often simply accept what they\u2019ve been taught.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">People with disabilities experience rates of abuse much higher than non-disabled persons, often take the shame of the abuse on themselves, and have fewer resources to escape or end the abuse.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Another legacy of the religious and medical models of disability is that public policies that affect the lives of disabled people have been created and carried out by people without disabilities.\u00a0 Thus, a central theme of the disability rights movement has always been \u201cNothing about us, without us.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">In 1983, \u201cA 26-year old woman, attractive and educated, checks herself into a hospital psychiatric unit announcing her wish to commit suicide. She reports that she has undergone two years of devastating emotional crises: the death of a brother, serious financial distress, withdrawal from graduate school because of discrimination, pregnancy and miscarriage and, most recently, the breakup of her marriage.\u201d\u00a0 Though the hospital refuses to help her die, Elizabeth Bouvia ultimately wins a court battle for the right to suicide assistance based on the fact that she has a serious physical disability (cerebral palsy). However during the two-year legal battle, her supposedly firm and settled decision to die, had changed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Also during the 1980s, several nursing home residents with spinal cord injuries brought legal claims for the right to have their respirators switched off.\u00a0 Sometimes referred to collectively as the \u201cgive me liberty or give me death\u201d cases, plaintiffs won the right to refuse medical treatment on the theory that their disabilities condemned them to a poor quality of life.\u00a0 As in the Bouvia case, the courts in these cases ignored the discrimination and barriers that prevented the plaintiffs from living independently and participating as equals in their communities.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">During the legal process Larry McAfee was contacted by disability rights activists who helped him rent an accessible apartment and arrange funding for personal care assistants.\u00a0 Freed from the institution, McAfee changed his mind about dying and lived on his own until his death years later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">David Rivlin and Kenneth Bergstedt were not so lucky; their families rebuffed all attempts by disability activists to help them gain independence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Nor is this kind of case a relic of the past.\u00a0 Just last month, Canadian Sean Tagert elected euthanasia rather than be forced to move into an institution far from home because he was denied the assistance he needed to remain in his home.\u00a0 This despite Canada\u2019s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, article 19 of which requires states to provide needed services to enable disabled people to live independently in the community.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">In the 1990s, promoters of assisted suicide such as the Hemlock Society and Final Exit Network included disability as a reason for hastened death.\u00a0 As well, 70% of the people Jack Kevorkian \u201chelped\u201d to die had a disability rather than a terminal illness (a similar percentage were women). The founding of the disability rights group Not Dead Yet in 1996, and the presence of disability activists at Kevorkian\u2019s second criminal trial that resulted in his conviction for second degree homicide in the death of Thomas Youk, who had a spinal cord injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Many who advocate for AS\/E have disabilities, and cite autonomy and self-determination as justifications for legalizing hastened death.\u00a0 This creates the inaccurate impression that disabled people support AS\/E. In fact, all of the major disability rights groups oppose the legalization of hastened death.\u00a0 These groups:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">are run by and for disabled people;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">combine members\u2019 personal experience of disability with a detailed analysis of disability policy; and\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">make the link between disability discrimination and other kinds of oppression, such as racism, sexism, enforced poverty, homophobia and others.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Disability activists recognize that, while the idea of autonomy and self-determination are attractive, the \u201cautonomy\u201d promised by AS\/E promoters is an illusion; there can be no free choice to die as long as disabled people don\u2019t have a choice in where and how they live.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Disability rights activists focus on four key arguments against legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAiD):<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">AS\/E are discriminatory;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Legalization is unnecessary;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Choice is a slogan, not a reality; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Safeguards don\u2019t work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">AS\/E ARE DISCRIMINATORY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The movement to legalize hastened death is driven by fear of disability and discriminatory beliefs summed up in the phrase \u201cbetter dead than disabled.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Assisted suicide creates a double-standard in how suicide prevention policy is applied.\u00a0 Though anti-discrimination laws should guarantee equal access to suicide prevention services, in practice, disabled people cannot rely on the suicide prevention safety net.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">A non-disabled person who expresses a desire to die is given suicide prevention services, even to the point of losing their liberty, for their own protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">A disabled person who expresses a wish to die is often helped to do so.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">While most suicide attempts are considered a cry for help, assisted suicide can turn suicidal ideation into a completed suicide.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">This inconsistent policy is based on the widely-held yet discriminatory belief that the desire to die is rational where the person has a disability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">LEGALIZATION IS UNNECESSARY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Suicide, as a solitary, autonomous act, while regrettable, is legal and available to anyone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">There is no \u201cright\u201d to suicide that must be accommodated;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Those who ask for AS\/E are usually able to commit suicide;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Those who cannot commit suicide can refuse medical care and have continuous palliative sedation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">AS\/E laws are designed to protect medical professionals from prosecution.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Disabled people do not have to die to have dignity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">CHOICE IS A SLOGAN, NOT A REALITY<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Let me reiterate: there can be no free choice to die as long as disabled people do not have a free choice in where and how we live.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Factors which limit disabled people\u2019s choice include:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Inadequate palliative care;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Public policy that favours institutional care over home-based services;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Lack of mental health care and peer counseling from people living successfully with similar disabilities;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Poverty, unemployment and disenfranchisement;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Architectural barriers and lack of transportation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Cost-driven health care policies and decisions also limit disabled people\u2019s options:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Barriers to diagnostic services and treatment;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Denial of coverage for treatment;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">futility policies;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Managed care requirements for \u201crecovery;\u201d and<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Assisted suicide is always the cheapest option.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">This was starkly illustrated with the deaths earlier this year of two members of Not Dead Yet\u2019s board of directors, Carrie Ann Lucas and Bill Peace.\u00a0 Both were denied medical treatment to maintain their health; Carrie Ann was denied an antibiotic, and Bill could not obtain a therapeutic bed to relieve pressure sores.\u00a0 In both cases, the insurer paid more in subsequent acute care than they would have to provide the needed service. And in both cases, society lost gifted, highly-educated, articulate leaders with exceptional skills and records of accomplishment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Even in luxurious facilities with caring, stable staff, the lack of control over daily routines, privacy and personal space that are built in to institutional life is intolerable to many people.\u00a0 Inadequate staffing, high staff turnover, poor maintenance, run-down facilities, violence among residents and abuse by staff can make life in an institution a nightmare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Even where disabled people are able to stay in their own homes, they will often be dependent on unpaid family members who have had to abandon careers to provide personal care.\u00a0 Alternatively, they may need to rely on agencies that send an ever-changing series of employees who provide assistance according to a one-size-fits-all model without the time or consistency to adapt procedures to the person\u2019s unique needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">SAFEGUARDS DON\u2019T WORK<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Prognoses of \u201csix months to live\u201d are often wrong.\u00a0 As well, the definition of \u201cend of life\u201d or \u201creasonably foreseeable\u201d death may be so broad as to include people whose death is not expected for years (as happened in a 2017 Ontario Superior Court case:\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tvndy.us9.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=2a6627f6e4b701a473f0f131f&amp;id=c8b5ff9693&amp;e=4a86d7ff20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">AB v. Attorney General of Canada<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Doctors evaluating if a person has the capacity to make life-or-death decisions rarely use the tools designed for that purpose, or assess all of the abilities that go into making such a decision.\u00a0 As well, they are not required to explain how they weighed external pressures, social or economic factors that could affect the person\u2019s decision-making process.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Psychological evaluations are not required for competency or to test for mental illness or other conditions that cause suicidal feelings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Most AS\/E laws hold doctors to a \u201cgood faith\u201d standard in determining eligibility and complying with safeguards for medical aid in dying.\u00a0 This is lower than that for medical negligence (\u201creasonable care and skill\u201d).<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Where assisted suicide is the method, no impartial witness is required at the death to ensure the person takes the drugs themselves.\u00a0 If the person struggled, who would know?<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">AS\/E laws have minimal reporting requirements, little oversight, and no enforcement provisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Under such laws, disabled lives are \u201cacceptable losses.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">***<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Working in coalition:\u00a0 All roads lead to Rome!<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The disability rights arguments are the best vehicle to reach our destination;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Focus on the common goal;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Agree to disagree on other issues; leave your baggage at the door.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Affiliating with religious organizations can be hazardous to disability rights groups.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Disabled allies are portrayed by the media and perceived by opponents as passive pawns;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">It reduces disability groups\u2019 credibility with our progressive allies;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The religious\/moral model of disability continues to have a negative impact.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Additional barriers to coalition<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Disabled activists lack economic clout:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Our constituency has limited income;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Our costs of participation are higher due to access needs;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Groups by and for PWDs are not well funded.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Policy and strategy decisions have been made without the participation of disabled people;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">Our expertise on health care and assisted suicide has been disregarded;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">We have been excluded from leadership roles;<\/span><\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">We have been used as tokens.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"x_docs-internal-guid-f7a9da18-7fff-acf5-2e1a-e02a86bd5c9b\">The Remedy is R-E-S-P-E-C-T.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n   ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-summary\">\n<div class=\"entry-summary\">\nThis week, get a sneak peek of a presentation Amy will be giving for a conference in Rome.\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/2019\/09\/webcast-archive-matercare-conference-presentation\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Webcast archive: MaterCare conference presentation&rdquo;<\/span>&hellip;<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/2019\/09\/webcast-archive-matercare-conference-presentation\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Webcast archive: MaterCare conference presentation&rdquo;<\/span>&hellip;<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[92],"tags":[517,487,565,41,411,121,564,563,567,560,566,118],"class_list":["post-4425","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-webcast-archive","tag-bill-peace","tag-carrie-ann-lucas","tag-david-rivlin","tag-disability-en","tag-elizabeth-bouvia","tag-euthanasia-disability","tag-kenneth-bergstadt","tag-medical-model","tag-religion-en","tag-sean-tagert-en","tag-social-model-en","tag-webcast","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4425"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4425\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4428,"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4425\/revisions\/4428"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvndy.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}