Lawyers have begun presenting arguments at the BC Supreme Court in a trial that could determine the future of faith-based hospitals in the province.
The case stems from the tragic death of Sam O'Neill, whose request to access a medically assisted death required a transfer from her bed at St Paul's Catholic Hospital to a secular facility. She died during that process and was denied the ability to say goodbye to her loved ones.
Because of the views of its board of governors, St Paul's Hospital refuses to provide medical assistance in dying (MAiD), as well as abortions or contraceptives. The Province of BC permits this refusal through a 1995 Master Agreement.
The BC Humanist Association is intervening in the case to argue the Master Agreement amounts to the Province contracting out its obligations under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including its duty of religious neutrality. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association will argue that healthcare organizations cannot claim the right to religious freedom.
"British Columbians should be able to expect the same standard of treatment from every publicly-funded hospital in this province," said Ian Bushfield, Executive Director, BC Humanist Association. "The religious views of a few board members shouldn't dictate your healthcare options."
Already, hundreds of BCHA supporters have called on the province to protect universal healthcare by putting patients over pews.
The trial is expected to last for several weeks. Stay tuned to this page for updates.