First euthanasia case in Quebec

At least one person and perhaps three have been euthanased in Quebec since the Canadian province’s legislation went into effect in December. Dr Georges L’Espérance, president of the death-with-dignity group l’Association québécoise pour le droit de mourir dans la dignité, said that he was not aware of the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Dr L’Espérance does not believe that the number of euthanasia deaths will be very large. “Considering our population here and what has happened in other countries (where euthanasia is legal), I would be very surprised if we have more than 50 or 60 cases in the first year,” he told the National Post. Quebec health authorities say that data on euthanasia will be confidential. The first figures will be released in June. More...