“It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it.”
Concerns are growing over the expansion of Canada’s euthanasia and assisted suicide program after doctors suggested that euthanasia for newborn babies with disabilities “may be an appropriate treatment.”
Dr. Louis Roy, speaking on behalf of the Quebec College of Physicians (CMQ) before a parliamentary committee, previously recommended introducing euthanasia for babies born with “severe deformities” or “very grave medical syndromes.” Last month, the CMQ reaffirmed its stance, claiming that under such circumstances, deliberately ending a child’s life could be considered “care.”
The proposal has provoked strong criticism. Wesley J. Smith, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism, warned, “Canada has leapt so eagerly into the euthanasia abyss that I have little doubt infanticide will eventually be allowed. If killing is accepted as a solution to suffering, why would it stop with adults?”
When Canada first legalized euthanasia in 2016, only terminally ill patients near death were eligible. In 2021, this requirement was removed, opening access to those not facing imminent death. In 2024, new legislation permitted euthanasia and assisted suicide on the grounds of mental health alone, beginning in 2027. A 2023 parliamentary committee also recommended allowing euthanasia for minors under certain conditions and expanding access to prisoners.
If CMQ’s recommendations are adopted, Canada would join the Netherlands, where euthanasia is permitted for infants under one year of age if parents consent and the child is judged to be “suffering unbearably.” The Atlantic noted that the Netherlands was the first country to legalize euthanasia for infants “since Nazi Germany in 1939.”
Trudo Lemmens, professor of law at the University of Toronto, cautioned, “One of the most troubling aspects of Canada’s experiment is that once you legalize it, many physicians begin to normalize the practice. It is like pouring fuel on the fire, and it may not be easy to contain.” In 2023, 15,343 Canadians died through euthanasia or assisted suicide, representing 4.7% of all deaths.
Catherine Robinson, spokesperson for Right To Life UK, condemned the proposal as “appalling and a clear form of eugenic discrimination.” She stressed, “Babies with severe disabilities deserve care, and their families need support. Canada should not be considering euthanizing its most vulnerable citizens.” (Source: Christian Today UK, Prayer 24·365 Edited Version).
“This is what the LORD says— the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my hands? It is I who made the earth and created mankind on it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. (Isaiah 45:11-12)
God, with a sorrowful heart we lift up Canada to You. Since the passing of the euthanasia law, even doctors who should be protectors of life are now calling the killing of newborns “care.” Lord, You are the Author of life and sovereign over all. We ask You to rebuke the pride of those who rebel against You, who exalt themselves above their Creator and think themselves wiser than God. Awaken the church in Canada, that they may boldly proclaim the truth of Your Word in a world that distorts what is abnormal as though it were normal. Restore Canada to be a nation faithful before You, the King, trusting in Your will for children with disabilities.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
