Disability rights advocate opposes expanding assistance in dying

In February 2021, senators voted to amend and expand Canada's assisted dying law. Bill C-7, if passed, will expand access to assisted dying to intolerably suffering individualswho are not approaching the natural end of their lives.Disability rights advocates say the bill sends the message that life with a disability is a fate worse than death.

Thisis an open letter to parliamentariansabout that perspective.

Hello.

I am a disabled female academic. I have four university degrees. I am very happily married and I have a great job.

I have advocated for disability rights throughout my life.

We are living in an era when disabled people have more human rights recognition provincially, nationally and internationally than ever before.I live in a city that is the cradle of the disability rightsmovement.YetI have never felt more vulnerable as an individual.

Disability is not a fate worse than death- Nancy Hansen

Bill C-7 sickens me at my very core and calls into question my worth and validity as a human being.It is a substantive manifestation of the tentative nature of my social positioning that can be swept away in an instant.

Ableism is percolating just below the surface.

Much of what is 'known' about disability in the public domain is drawn from myth, misconception, fear and ignorance. Disability is not a fate worse than death.Why is it easier to access medical assistance in dying in many jurisdictions than supports and services to live with dignity?

We must move beyond simplistic, one-dimensional understandings of disability- Nancy Hansen

There is more than a little irony here. "Equity, diversity and inclusion"is not a simple turn of phrase. It takes work and a serious shift in perspective.It is certainly nota fast track to death.

Bill C-7in its current formsets the stage for another court challenge.

It is 2021 andit is profoundly disturbing that I amhaving to justify my existence. We must move beyond simplistic, one-dimensionalunderstandings of disability.

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