VANCOUVER, BC: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that counsel funded by the Justice Centre will give oral arguments on behalf of the Delta Hospice Society today as the Supreme Court of British Columbia hears closing arguments this week in a constitutional trial that will determine whether faith-based organizations can continue to prohibit medical assistance in dying at their facilities while ensuring patients retain access to the service elsewhere. 

This case arises from a lawsuit brought by the family of a woman who died in 2023 after seeking assisted suicide while receiving care at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. Because the Catholic hospital does not provide assisted suicide on-site, arrangements were being made to transfer the patient to another facility where the procedure is available. The family alleges that this situation caused unnecessary suffering and violated her Charter rights to freedom of conscience and religion, as well as her rights to life, liberty, and security of the person. 

The Delta Hospice Society, a registered charity and intervenor in the case, is advocating for the recognition of assisted suicide-free palliative care spaces for patients who wish to spend their final days without being asked about ending their lives, while preserving access to assisted suicide through other providers. 

Constitutional lawyer Allison Pejovic stated, “There are many terminally ill palliative care patients in British Columbia who desire to spend their final days without being asked if they want their life ended by their health care provider. It is important that these patients are able to access a MAID-free space which upholds their human dignity, liberty, and bodily autonomy.” 

The Delta Hospice Society argues that section 7 of the Charter, which protects the rights to life, liberty, and security of the person, includes the right of patients to access care environments that affirm life and dignity, free from the introduction of assisted suicide. 

In a statement, the Society said, “We look forward to confirming section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for Canadians who seek life-affirming spaces during their illnesses, so they are not deprived of life, liberty and the security of the person.” 

The closing submissions at the trial are scheduled to continue through April 17, 2026.