I think Quebec just made a few more friends (and foes). It will soon be possible to decide to end one's own suffering if terminally ill, and to have legal medical assistance to do so. There will be a rigorous process to undergo, ensuring the patient is of sound mind, making their decision without coercion. You can now refuse to end your life as a ball of incontinent, semi-comatose, senseless pain. Your loved ones will be spared the helpless suffering of watching you reduced to such; and yes, it will save the healthcare system billions.

This bill is all the rage in some places right now.  It's basically looking to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, and is quite radical in it's stance,

A Summary of the more controversial parts:

Bill C-384

I did not want to derail Qwerty's thread so I thought I would start my own.  This could have fit under health and aging but I am going to put it here because it is more of a question of ethics.

Under what circumstances would you think that euthanasia is the best choice?

Scenario 1.  You are in a car accident and lose the ability to walk or move your arms.  If you had a living will that stated if you were to lose your limbs or the use of them in a situation like this (not that a person in shock should decide this)

A brief look at three interesting stories in religion news, including Progressive Christian advertising, a Christian argument for "assisted dying," and the atheist movements' source of morality.

"In Political Ads, Christian Left Mounts Sermonic Campaigns"

The Wall Street Journal isn't known as one of the most progressive publications out there. Of course that doesn't mean their particular slant on the news isn't interesting, or that they have nothing worthwhile to report. Take, for example, their recent article on an ad campaign by evangelicals supporting legislation curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

The campaign, which is comprised of radio ads running on Christian and country music stations across 10 states in the U.S. Ads speak about God's creation crying out for relief, and refer to the Gospel of John, speak against energy interests, and say "Please join the faithful in speaking out against the powerful." Needless to say, not everyone is crazy about these ads.

Read about the reaction to this campaign in the full article.

Is there a Christian argument for "assisted dying"?

"There is no reason from Christianity why the law should prevent assisted dying, at least so far as those wanting to die are self-aware and sane. The presence of such law would allow a dignified end to those wanting to have one, without requiring others to die against their wishes."

The above statement is sure to provoke discussion, at the very least. "Assisted dying" or "assisted suicide" or euthanasia - whatever you call it, it is far from being an uncontroversial topic. John Cartwright, writing for the Guardian Online, makes a case for "assisted dying" from a Christian perspective. Cartwright's argument centres around being allowed to make one's own moral choices, and prevention of the needless extension of suffering.