FROM CHRISTIAN DAILY INTERNATIONAL
Canadians could become eligible for assisted dying solely for mental illness in March 2027, unless legislation is changed, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) warns.
Legislation passed in 2021 paved the way for allowing euthanasia on the basis of mental illness, as previously reported by Christian Daily International.
According to the EFC, this marked a significant expansion of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) eligibility to include individuals whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, including those with a serious illness, disease, or disability.
MENTAL ILLNESS COULD SOON BE THE SOLE REASON FOR ASSISTED SUICIDE
The EFC has expressed concerns about the potential effect of the planned law on mature minors with mental health issues.
Currently, individuals with mental illness as their sole condition are not eligible for MAiD.
However, this is set to change in one year unless Canadian lawmakers delay or repeal the legislation.
Under current law, individuals eligible for “Track 2” MAiD — those who are not nearing natural death — are subject to a minimum 90-day assessment period between the initial request and the procedure.
CAMPAIGN TO STOP ASSISTED SUICIDE FOR MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS
The EFC has previously submitted arguments to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, arguing that Canada should not allow MAiD for mental illness.
The evangelical organisation cited Canadian Institute for Health data showing that one in 10 Canadians wait more than five months for counselling services and highlighted additional data it says is not widely known.
“The law allowing MAiD for mental illness doesn’t come with any additional safeguards, protections or special requirements related to mental illness,” the EFC stated in an update on the issue.
“The EFC is opposed to MAiD, believing that it fundamentally devalues human life and normalises suicide.”
“We’re also very concerned MAiD for mental illness will disproportionately impact marginalised Canadians and undermine suicide prevention in Canada.”
PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL SEEKS TO PROTECT MENTALLY ILL
Efforts to halt the expansion are also underway in the Canadian Parliament.
Canadian Member of Parliament Tamara Jansen introduced a private member’s bill C-218 last June to stop MAiD for mental illness alone.
A debate and vote is due this month for the Jansen bill, which aims to exclude a mental disorder from being considered a “grievous and irremediable medical condition” for the purposes of MAiD.
“It will need widespread public support to pass,” said the EFC.
“But we believe it can — and should — be passed.”
CANADIAN PROVINCE LEGISLATES AGAINST EUTHANASIA FOR MENTAL ILLNESS
On social media, Ms. Jansen pointed out that the province of Alberta recently announced legislation that includes measures to stop the expansion of MAiD for mental illness alone.
“That should be a wake-up call for Ottawa,” Jansen wrote.
“Canadians know that those struggling with mental illness need care, support, and hope, not an assisted death.”
“With less than a year before this expansion is set to take effect, Parliament must act now by passing Bill C-218 to permanently stop it and protect vulnerable Canadians.”
CHRISTIANS CALL FOR PRAYER FOR POTENTIAL PATIENTS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
The EFC also called on evangelicals to pray for those struggling with mental health, for the passage of Bill C-218, and for a society that affirms the value of every life.
It further encouraged prayer for medical professionals as they care for vulnerable patients.
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