Alarming Increase in Assisted-Suicide Deaths Raises Concerns in Canada
Canada has recently released its fourth annual report on the nation’s assisted-suicide regime, shedding light on the disturbing rise in the number of lives lost due to state-facilitated suicide. The report reveals a significant increase in assisted-suicide deaths in recent years, prompting concerns among Canadians.
In 2022, a staggering 4.1% of all deaths in Canada were a result of state-facilitated suicide, a sharp rise from the previous year. This growing trend raises questions about the extent of these deaths being voluntary and whether the victims truly met the eligibility criteria.
The legalization of assisted suicide in Canada dates back to 2016 when the Supreme Court ruling allowed doctors to aid in the death of their patients. Subsequently, the federal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, passed the Medical Assistance in Dying Act, making it legal nationwide.
Initially, individuals seeking assisted death had to be at least 18 years old, suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical condition causing enduring physical or psychological suffering. They also had to be in an advanced state of irreversible decline, with death being a likely outcome in the foreseeable future.
However, the rules have been gradually relaxed since then, allowing individuals with conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other non-terminal ailments to seek assisted suicide. In June, Quebec even passed a law allowing people with diseases like Alzheimer’s to apply for assisted death years in advance, opening the door to euthanasia for those with significant disabilities.
The annual report reveals concerning statistics. In the first year of the program, 1,108 Canadians opted for assisted suicide, a number that nearly tripled by 2017. Shockingly, in 2022, the death toll reached a staggering 13,241 Canadians, representing a 31.2% spike in assisted-suicide deaths. Notably, British Columbia and Quebec reported higher percentages of assisted-suicide deaths compared to the national average.
The report also highlights a worrisome trend regarding eligibility. In 2022, 463 individuals were euthanized despite their natural death not being reasonably foreseeable. Among them, 16 were aged 18 to 45, and 41 were aged 46 to 55. These statistics raise concerns about expanding the eligibility criteria for assisted suicide, especially to include individuals solely suffering from mental illness.
While proponents argue that assisted suicide provides a compassionate choice for those suffering, critics express deep reservations. Rebecca Vachon of the conservative Canadian think tank, Cardus, condemns the exponential growth in assisted-suicide deaths and emphasizes the need for better palliative care options. The provision of adequate care often alleviates the desire for assisted death, as evidenced by 42% of applicants withdrawing their requests after receiving proper care.
The future of this contentious issue remains uncertain. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Canadian Conservative Party, has expressed intentions to curtail the offerings of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) if elected prime minister. However, there are voices that advocate for further expanding the scope of assisted suicide, including making it available to children.
The permissiveness surrounding assisted suicide is not exclusive to Canada. In the United States, support for euthanasia has grown significantly in recent years. Gallup polls indicate that as of 2020, 74% of Americans believe doctors should have the option to administer euthanasia to patients with incurable diseases.
As this debate continues, it is crucial to consider the diverse perspectives and maintain a balance between autonomy and the need for robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals. The rise in assisted-suicide deaths in Canada serves as a stark reminder of the complex ethical questions and the importance of ongoing dialogue on this controversial topic.
