Advocates in Canada are pushing to expand the country’s assisted suicide program, known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), to include minors as young as 12. This comes nearly a decade after the program was first introduced in 2016, initially for adults whose natural death was deemed “reasonably foreseeable.”
Since its inception, the MAiD program has undergone several expansions. In 2021, the eligibility criteria widened to include individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Recent data shows a significant increase in the number of people utilizing the program, with over 15,000 deaths attributed to MAiD in 2023, representing about 4.7% of all deaths in Canada.
Now, groups like Dying With Dignity Canada are advocating for minors to be included in the program. They argue that children, particularly those aged 12 and older, should have more say over their healthcare decisions. The group suggests that age eligibility should be based on maturity rather than strict age limits. They also propose that 16 and 17-year-olds could access the program without needing parental consent if they meet certain criteria.
However, this push has raised concerns among experts and critics. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a psychiatrist, warns that allowing minors to access euthanasia could lead to a slippery slope. He argues that once society accepts the idea that some lives are not worth living, it becomes difficult to impose limits on who can be euthanized. He points out that many people who choose assisted suicide often feel like a burden to others, and this mindset needs to be addressed with compassion and care, rather than offering a solution that ends their lives.
The debate also touches on the future of mental health in the context of MAiD. Starting in 2027, there are plans to include individuals suffering solely from mental health issues, such as depression, in the program. Critics argue that even before this policy is officially in place, cases have already emerged where psychiatric conditions are being considered for euthanasia.
Kheriaty emphasizes the importance of support and treatment for vulnerable individuals rather than resorting to assisted death. He believes the medical community must take a stand against these practices, advocating for care and support instead of abandonment.
As the discussion continues, the implications of expanding MAiD to minors and those with mental health issues remain a contentious topic in Canadian society. Advocates for inclusion argue it promotes autonomy, while opponents fear it could lead to dangerous precedents that undermine the value of life, especially for the most vulnerable.
