Within Canada's medical assistance in dying (MAiD) legislation, questions of competence loom large. Dr. Ephraim Radner draws upon personal experiences and theological reflections to bring to light the ethical dilemmas surrounding the legislation. What constitutes competence in the face of existential decisions like life and death? Is it age, experience, or something deeper?
Julia Beazley, Director of Public Policy for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada grapples with Canada's expansion of medical assistance in dying ("MAiD"). In this article she encourages us to consider policy, foster belonging, challenges ableism and amplify the voices of those with disabilities.
Deina Warren, discusses Canada's MAiD framework. Reflecting on a recent court case involving an Alberta father and his autistic daughter, she emphasizes the need for life-affirming care and advocates for improved quality of life.
In the aftermath of Tracy Latimer's tragic death, Chantal Huinick grappled with profound questions of existence and justice. She unveils the enduring impact of Tracy's legacy on her life and work.
When I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis several years ago the biggest loss I experienced was my sense of self worth. I felt so broken that I couldn’t believe I was still loveable.
[...] in North America, we have an accomplishment-based approach to life instead of a contribution-based approach. Employment serves as validation of our accomplishments and worth as citizens but in reality, accomplishments are only a credit to the individual. Contributions on the other hand, are for the common good.
Often, somebody that holds a lot of power or privilege of one type has an easier on-ramp to additional forms of privilege and power than somebody who does not. Thus, rather than being evenly distributed, power tends to accumulate. This is a symptom of our broken humanity rather than the values of the kingdom of God in action.
Last night I did what I do every night as the day winds down, I mentally went through my day and noted all the things I didn’t get done. The list was long. The tasks should have been easy. I felt like I had failed at life, and this was a familiar feeling because this is a familiar routine.
Crossing the threshold of being disabled myself has been such a privilege and a joy because it has transformed the way I can connect with people. Even if our diagnoses are wildly different, and our bodily experiences seem to have little in common, there’s still a deep understanding of what it is to live in a way that doesn’t always fit the systems of our world.
Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ ‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Luke 5: 22