Alberta right to die advocate warns of challenges ahead

An advocate for physician-assisted dying worries that until the federal law is in place, patients seeking this medical service will continue to face major hurdles in this province.

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Earlier this week a Calgary woman who was granted the right to die, had to go to B.C. to find a doctor to help end her life.

Her husband,who cannotbe identified because ofa publication ban, says the entire process was arduous.

"To go all through what we went through, you couldn't believe what we had to go through so that she could have a peaceful death," he said.

Brad Peter,an Edmonton board member with Dying with Dignity Canada,says he knows of another person with ALS who lives in Edmonton who's applying for permission to end their life with the help of a doctor.

"What we are hearing from the individual seeking the application is that the process is really expensive," PetertoldCBC News.

"And this came up even with Ms. S, there was discussion about how much it costs for legal fees and so there is actually a bit of a barrier in place for individuals just based on the cost of making an application."

Then there's finding a doctor, nurse and pharmacist who will help provide the service.

The College of Physicians andSurgeons of Alberta says it is up to each physician to decide if they provide the service, while the Alberta College of Pharmacists suggests members seek legal device.

The College andAssociation of Registered Nurses in Alberta has clearly defined rules.The CEOsaysnurses in the province cannot participate under the current ruling.

"Until such time as the legislation permits and protects nurses from criminal prosecution," Mary-Anne Robinson said.

Covenant Health, the Catholic organization which operates hospitals and long-term care homesin Alberta, has said it will not allow physicians working in its facilitiesto help patients end their lives.