Advocates Rally for Bill to Ban Euthanasia for Mental Illness

Members of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) gathered on October 28, 2023, to advocate 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 opposed to euthanasia, expressed strong support for Conservative MP Tamara Jansen’s Bill C-218 during a news conference, emphasizing its potential impact on vulnerable populations.

Introduced in June 2023, Bill C-218 is currently undergoing its second reading in the House of Commons. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent the expansion of MAID to include individuals diagnosed exclusively with mental health conditions. The EPC argues that allowing euthanasia in these cases raises significant ethical concerns.

During the press event, EPC president Gordon Friesen articulated the coalition’s stance, stating, “What fuels support for MAiD is not that people believe that some patients should die, but rather that they have the choice to make free, informed, competent and adult choices.” This perspective reflects ongoing debates surrounding the rights of individuals facing mental health challenges and the implications of assisted dying.

The coalition’s advocacy comes in response to growing discussions about MAID in various jurisdictions. Proponents of euthanasia argue that it provides essential relief for individuals enduring unbearable suffering, while opponents raise alarms about the potential for coercion and the adequacy of mental health support systems.

As the conversation around euthanasia evolves, the EPC emphasizes the need for robust mental health care and alternatives that prioritize life over death. Friesen and other advocates contend that addressing the root causes of suffering—rather than facilitating death—should be the focus of healthcare systems.

Bill C-218, if passed, would align with the EPC’s vision of protecting vulnerable individuals from what they perceive as a dangerous expansion of euthanasia. The coalition plans to continue its efforts to raise awareness and garner public support as the legislative process unfolds.

The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for the future of euthanasia laws in Canada and potentially influence similar discussions in other countries. As the debate intensifies, the balance between individual autonomy and societal responsibility remains a focal point for policymakers and advocates alike.