AHS offers to connect patients seeking right to die with willing doctors

Alberta Health Services says there are doctors in every area of the province who would be willing toperform doctor-assisted death, and it is prepared to connect eligible patients with those professionals.

The health authority saidit is not taking a specific position on the controversial issue, but said itrecognizesthe Supreme Court of Canada's decision to make it an available option for adults underspecific circumstances.

Earlier this week,aCalgary woman with late-stage ALS ended her life in Vancouver with the help of a doctorafter being granted the right to die from an Alberta superior court justice. A close friend of the woman said they were unable tofind a physician in Alberta who was willing to assist in the process.

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AHS is identifyingthese willing doctors and other professionals through an ongoing survey, saidDr.FrancoisBelanger, actingchief medical officer.

The findings of the survey will also help shape guidelinesin preparation for the legislative change coming in June, he said.

"We've actually taken a very step-wise approach to this and a very careful approach to this, because we do realize this is a very emotional issue for some folks," he said.

Belanger said AHS is committed to protecting the conscience rights of physicians and other staff,which is why no doctor who is uncomfortable with the processwill be required to refer a patient who is seeking physician-assisted death.

Instead, patients and families seeking related information or services can visit AHS's websiteor call Health Link at 811.

With files from CBC's The Homestretch.