Discover the story of Rose Finlay, a 33-year-old quadriplegic Canadian woman, who shares her struggle in obtaining help for her disabilities compared to the ease of accessing state-sanctioned euthanasia. Explore the discrepancies in support systems and the urgent need to prioritize the lives of disabled individuals.
In a poignant video shared by RightNowHQ, Rose Finlay, a 33-year-old quadriplegic single mother from Bowmanville, Ontario, sheds light on a distressing reality faced by disabled individuals in Canada. She expresses how the process of obtaining assistance for her disabilities has proven more challenging than gaining approval for state-sanctioned euthanasia, known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). As the days count down to her scheduled assisted suicide, Finlay emphasizes the need for change and calls attention to the detrimental discrepancy in support systems available to disabled Ontarians.
State-Sanctioned Euthanasia https://t.co/I86hdVIRsX
— The Carnivore Den (@CarnivoreDen) June 24, 2023
The Struggle for Support
Lengthy Wait Times for Disability Support
Finlay reveals the stark contrast in timelines for receiving help from the Ontario Disability Support Program and obtaining approval for MAiD. While it takes approximately six to eight months to access disability support, the process for MAiD approval only requires 91 days. This discrepancy reflects a significant failure in prioritizing the well-being and lives of disabled individuals. Finlay’s personal experience highlights the urgent need for streamlined assistance to address the profound challenges faced by disabled Canadians.
The Burden of Disabilities
Finlay describes her poor quality of life due to intense kidney pain, chills, fever, headaches, nausea, and muscle spasms. These debilitating symptoms have plagued her for the past 1 ½ years, rendering her extremely ill. The aftermath of a car accident during her teenage years left her paralyzed and reliant on a wheelchair. Despite her profound disabilities, Finlay finds herself navigating a system that prioritizes the availability of assisted suicide over the provision of comprehensive and timely support for disabled individuals.
Government Priorities Questioned
A Choice Between Assistance and Euthanasia
Finlay’s distressing experience raises concerns about the government’s priorities. The ease with which she gained approval for MAiD compared to the struggles she faces in obtaining assistance for her disabilities sends a troubling message. Disabled individuals should be offered the necessary resources and support to improve their quality of life and thrive within their communities. By prioritizing the accessibility of assisted suicide over comprehensive care, the government fails to recognize and value the lives of disabled Canadians.
Subheading: The Growth of State-Sanctioned Assisted Suicides
The Trudeau government’s legalization of euthanasia in 2016 marked a turning point in Canada’s approach to end-of-life care. However, since its inception, the number of deaths under the MAiD program has soared. The expansion of MAiD eligibility to include those suffering solely from mental illness, through the passage of Bill C-7 in 2021, further raised concerns. Despite subsequent delays due to opposition, there has been a 35% increase in state-sanctioned assisted suicides in Canada in 2022 alone, with an estimated 13,500 Canadians resorting to this procedure.
The Fight for Change
Challenging the Expansion of Euthanasia Laws
In response to the alarming rise in state-sanctioned assisted suicides, the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) has been actively advocating against the expansion of MAiD. Recently, a private member’s bill aiming to repeal the extension of euthanasia laws to individuals solely suffering from mental illness was debated in the House of Commons. This demonstrates a growing awareness and concern among politicians, pro-life groups, and citizens regarding the need to reconsider and reassess the boundaries of assisted suicide legislation.
Conclusion
Rose Finlay’s distressing journey exposes the profound discrepancies in support systems available to disabled individuals in Canada. The ease of obtaining approval for state-sanctioned euthanasia compared to the lengthy wait times for disability assistance reflects a concerning imbalance in government priorities. The urgent need for change is evident, as disabled Canadians deserve comprehensive care and support to enhance their quality of life. By addressing these discrepancies and actively working towards prioritizing the lives of disabled individuals, Canada can foster a society that truly values and respects the rights and well-being of all its citizens.
