Medical Assistance in Dying and Religious Freedom

In a plural society we accept that law should be open and accepting of various modes of life. However, what happens when our plural values conflict and the law is forced to choose certain values over others? This is not a simple task, and courts have had to decide on issues from kirpans in schools to prayers at town hall meetings. However, our courts have yet to fully engage with the legal rights surrounding freedom of religion and medical assistance in dying. Notably, should faith-influenced hospitals be legally required to provide medical assistance in dying? What about doctors? Which of these choices actually upholds pluralism? Gabriel will draw on philosophical scholarship on toleration and judicial decisions to explore these issues and provide principles that can guide future freedom of religion cases.

Gabriel is a third-year Juris Doctor candidate at the UBC Faculty of Law. His research has engaged varied issues including contract and constitutional law. Following graduation, Gabriel will be clerking at the Supreme Court of British Columbia and then pursuing a legal career in civil litigation.