Ethical Issue, Question about attempted suicide

[Mr.Coffee]

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?

[Flames Draft Watcher]

I would have thought they don't charge you with any criminal act if you fail to kill yourself unless you were endangering others at the same time.

[jam26]

I'm no legal expert but I know of a person who was charged after an attempted suicide.

[ken0042]

Refusing medical treatment is not the same as attempting suicide IIRC. People are removed from feeding tubes and life support systems all the time. Just this week there was an article about a BC man who was taken off life support, then sent home to die as there weren't any beds.

[Table 5]

looks like ken beat me to it, but i agree, I think there is a difference between wanting to commit suicide, and refusing treatment, which this is. One is an aggresive act, while the other passive. Is not wearing your seatbelt suicide? It certainly leads to a higher risk of death....and can get you a ticket.

[Frank the Tank]

Ah, the good 'ol Witness'. Great religion. If she refuses a simple blood transfusion that would save her life then so be it. Ridiculous.

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by ken0042

Refusing medical treatment is not the same as attempting suicide IIRC. People are removed from feeding tubes and life support systems all the time. Just this week there was an article about a BC man who was taken off life support, then sent home to die as there weren't any beds.

Yes I suppose your right. Just seems kind of... related... I guess. One who believes they should commit suicide is different under the eyes of the law then one who decides that they don't want the opportunity to live?

Anyways for the record, the girls father ended up suing the Crown for forcing her to receive treatment, and also suing the Jehovah's witnesses.

[jolinar of malkshor]

It use to be a crime, it was repealled afew years back.

[Eagle Eye]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

Yes I suppose your right. Just seems kind of... related... I guess. One who believes they should commit suicide is different under the eyes of the law then one who decides that they don't want the opportunity to live?

Anyways for the record, the girls father ended up suing the Crown for forcing her to receive treatment, and also suing the Jehovah's witnesses.

I thought that the dad was suing the mother and her family as well as the Jhovah's witness. From what I recall he was trying to save her life.

edit to add story

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...ion040827.html

Looks like he was trying to sue the hospital as well

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by Eagle Eye

I thought that the dad was suing the mother and her family as well as the Jhovah's witness. From what I recall he was trying to save her life.

Just sayin what the teacher was sayin...

suing the church of Jehovah's and the Crown is what she said.

[Superflyer]

Being charged for attempted suicide seems like a very dumb law. If the person is depressed enough to try and kill themself then the best thing to do is arrest them and put them in jail??? I am sure that Bubba is cell block B is going to make them regret not doing it.

[Frank the Tank]

Oh man that poor father. I can't imagine the rage he must feel towards the church and the girls mother. To stand idley by and watch your child die because of your religion is the stupidest thing ever. The Jo Ho's need to just go away.

[drp_69]

Attempted suicide is not against the law! At the worst you may be "certified" for an involunatary 48hr admission for psych assesment.