Key Takeaways:
- A medical assistance in dying (MAiD) facility has opened on the campus of St. Paul’s Catholic Hospital in Vancouver.
- This move bypasses a religious exemption that previously allowed the Catholic hospital to refuse euthanasia.
- The British Columbia government pushed for this after a 2024 lawsuit pressured Catholic hospitals to comply with MAiD requests.
Vancouver, BC – A controversial decision by the British Columbia government has led to the opening of a medical assistance in dying (MAiD) facility on the campus of St. Paul’s Catholic Hospital. This move is significant because it goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church, which strongly opposes euthanasia.
St. Paul’s Hospital, run by Providence Health Care, is part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver. Until now, the hospital had a contract with the government stating it would not perform abortions or euthanasia on its premises. Instead, patients seeking these services would be transferred to another facility.
However, recent emails obtained through a freedom-of-information request reveal that a MAiD clinic opened on the St. Paul’s campus on January 6 of this year. Another MAiD facility is also being built at the new St. Paul’s Hospital, set to open in 2027. Two Catholic hospice homes now share space with these euthanasia clinics, raising concerns among religious and ethical groups.
Provincial officials have faced increasing pressure since a 2023 case involving a young woman named Sam O’Neill. She sought a medically assisted death at St. Paul’s but was transferred due to the hospital’s Catholic affiliation. Her story was used by pro-MAiD groups to push for changes, leading to a 2024 lawsuit challenging religious exemptions for hospitals.
Critics argue that the new MAiD facilities effectively force Catholic institutions to participate in euthanasia, even if indirectly. Patients can now be easily transferred to the MAiD clinic by simply being wheeled down a corridor between connected buildings.
“This is incredibly sad news,” said Alex Schadenberg, Chair of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. “It’s heartbreaking that the new St. Paul’s will also have a euthanasia clinic attached to it.”
Dr. Will Johnston, a Vancouver physician and head of Euthanasia Resistance B.C., likened the situation to totalitarianism. “This shows no regard for freedom or diversity,” he said. “It’s another example of zealots who won’t allow anyone to escape euthanasia.”
The opening of these facilities has sparked debate about religious freedom and the role of government in healthcare. With no official announcements or press releases, many are left wondering how this decision will impact Catholic healthcare providers and their patients.