Opposition to forced transfers of B.C. patients seeking medically assisted deaths

The group Dying With Dignity wants BC residents to join a campaign to stop some public health care facilities from transferring patients out -- if those patients seek a medically assisted death.

Three BC chapters of the group say some taxpayer-funded health care facilities covered by the Denominational Health Association agreement refuse to provide certain procedures such as assisted deaths and instead transfer frail patients to hospitals that will provide the service.

Alex Muir, chair of the Metro Vancouver chapter, says patients have a constitutionally protected right to access a medically assisted death, yet the province allows the transfers to continue.

Dying With Dignity says campaign supporters should contact their local MLA to express their concerns.