Advocates Push to Ban Euthanasia for Mentally Ill Patients

Members of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) gathered on October 28, 2023, to express their support for a private member’s bill aimed at prohibiting medical assistance in dying (MAID) for individuals suffering solely from mental illness. The coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to opposing euthanasia, endorses Conservative MP Tamara Jansen’s Bill C-218, which is currently undergoing its second reading in the House of Commons.

This bill, introduced in June 2023, seeks to prevent the expansion of MAID to encompass individuals whose only diagnosis is mental illness. During the press conference, EPC president Gordon Friesen articulated concerns regarding the implications of allowing euthanasia in such cases. He emphasized that support for MAID is not based on the belief that certain patients should die, but rather on the notion of ensuring that individuals retain the right to make “free, informed, competent and adult choices.”

The EPC has been vocal in its stance, arguing that including mental illness under MAID could lead to a dangerous precedent. They contend that mental health conditions, unlike terminal physical illnesses, may be treatable or manageable, and that patients may not be in a position to make fully informed decisions about their lives.

At the heart of the discussion is the debate over autonomy versus vulnerability. Advocates for the bill argue that individuals with mental health disorders often face fluctuating states of mind, which can complicate their ability to make permanent decisions regarding their lives. The coalition believes that safeguarding these individuals from the option of euthanasia is essential to protect their rights and well-being.

The bill has sparked a significant conversation within Canada regarding how society views mental illness and the ethical implications of assisted dying. As the second reading progresses in Parliament, the EPC plans to continue advocating for the exclusion of mental health conditions from MAID eligibility.

In a statement following the conference, Friesen called for broader public discourse on the matter and urged lawmakers to consider the potential long-term effects of expanding euthanasia laws to include those diagnosed exclusively with mental health issues.

As this bill moves forward, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point of contention within the Canadian legislative landscape, touching on critical themes of medical ethics, human rights, and the complexities surrounding mental health care.