Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Ethical Issue, Question about attempted suicide

Mr.Coffee · 08-10-2006, 11:18 AM

Ok I attempted some research but am getting conflicting results on the truth of an issue. Any legal experts out there? Is attempted suicide legal in Canada? If you attempt suicide and fail, do they charge you? The reason why I ask is below:

Last night in a political science class, we were talking about a Canadian case where a 13 year old girl, who was a Jehovah's witness, got Leukemia (sp?). She denied treatment because it would have involved a blood transfusion- which is against the Jehovah's religion. Unfortunately for her, she was deemed too young to be making this type of decision over her best interests- according to the doctors who received a court order enabling them to give her the blood transfusion. She received treatment, and her cancer went into remission.

When she turned 16 years of age, the Leukemia had re-emerged. She denied the treatment again, at which point via an interview with a judge, the courts deemed her old enough and capable of making this type of decision. This time they didn't give her the blood transfusion, and she later died.

At this point a student in the class made the point that to their knowledge attempted suicide was illegal. So to them, it seemed contradictory that the courts would deem this girl capable of making a life/death choice while others are prosecuted for attempted suicide- just because its a breach of religious conviction.

Any answers?

08-10-2006, 11:18 AM	#1
Mr.Coffee damn onions Join Date: Mar 2006 Exp:	Ethical Issue, Question about attempted suicide Ok I attempted some research but am getting conflicting results on the truth of an issue. Any legal experts out there? Is attempted suicide legal in Canada? If you attempt suicide and fail, do they charge you? The reason why I ask is below: Last night in a political science class, we were talking about a Canadian case where a 13 year old girl, who was a Jehovah's witness, got Leukemia (sp?). She denied treatment because it would have involved a blood transfusion- which is against the Jehovah's religion. Unfortunately for her, she was deemed too young to be making this type of decision over her best interests- according to the doctors who received a court order enabling them to give her the blood transfusion. She received treatment, and her cancer went into remission. When she turned 16 years of age, the Leukemia had re-emerged. She denied the treatment again, at which point via an interview with a judge, the courts deemed her old enough and capable of making this type of decision. This time they didn't give her the blood transfusion, and she later died. At this point a student in the class made the point that to their knowledge attempted suicide was illegal. So to them, it seemed contradictory that the courts would deem this girl capable of making a life/death choice while others are prosecuted for attempted suicide- just because its a breach of religious conviction. Any answers?