MAiD raised with Vancouver priest during hospital care — twice

A Vancouver priest recovering from a hip fracture at Vancouver General Hospital says he was twice offered assisted death by health-care staff who knew he was a priest and opposed to euthanasia — a practice critics say is growing as medical professionals are increasingly encouraged to initiate such conversations.

“There are some things you just don’t talk about to some people,” said Father Larry Holland, who has completed studies in health-care chaplaincy in addition to serving at numerous parishes in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

He described his reaction when a doctor brought up the option of MAiD should his condition deteriorate. “I think I was very shocked,” he said. “It is such a sensitive subject.”

Father Holland, 79, is currently convalescing at VGH after suffering a hip fracture from a fall in his bathroom on Christmas Day. He spoke to The B.C. Catholic about the offers of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) from two health-care professionals, despite their knowing he was a Catholic priest. ---More...

Father Larry Holland, a Catholic priest in Canada, was offered euthanasia twice after being hospitalized with a broken hip.

He was not terminally ill. Despite knowing that he was a priest and opposed to euthanasia, hospital staff suggested ending his life.

Today it’s… pic.twitter.com/qp4SVUhEHK

— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose)July 24, 2026