Canadian politicians have proposed new legislation to reduce access to euthanasia.
Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith stated that Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) must be limited to only those deemed to be terminally ill. The Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act (Bill 18) also seeks to bar doctors from unilaterally raising MAID with patients, strengthen conscience protections, and ban MAID advertising in healthcare facilities.
Introduced in 2016, MAID was expanded in 2021 to include people with serious or incurable conditions but who do not have a terminal diagnosis. Euthanasia now accounts for five per cent of all deaths in Canada.
Premier Smith said, “MAID should not become a permanent response to a moment of crisis or despair that can change with care and time.”
She explained that the new measures under Bill 18 “strengthens safeguards and restores clear limits on eligibility to protect vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness or living with disabilities”.
The Premier added: “Those struggling with severe mental health challenges need treatment, compassion and support, not a path to end their life at what may be their lowest moment.”