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Euthanasia in Canada has become a topic of intense debate, particularly with recent developments in Quebec. Amanda Achtman, an advocate against euthanasia through her project Dying to Meet You, highlighted a new policy in Quebec that allows individuals incapable of giving consent to provide "advance consent" for euthanasia. This policy, effective from October 30, has sparked controversy and concern among those who value human life at all stages.
Since the legalization of assisted suicide in 2016, Canada has seen significant changes. According to Achtman, "Canada has become the euthanasia capital of the world," with euthanasia now ranking as the fifth-leading cause of death in the country. In some areas, it accounts for over 11% of total deaths. Achtman points out that many Canadians have become desensitized to these numbers as euthanasia is increasingly normalized and even glamorized by media and lobby groups.
Initially introduced under the acronym MAID (medical assistance in dying), Canada's euthanasia laws were intended for those with a grievous and irremediable medical condition whose natural death was foreseeable. However, since then, eligibility has expanded beyond terminally ill patients to include those suffering mentally or physically but not necessarily nearing death.
In 2020, further expansion allowed non-dying patients such as persons with disabilities to qualify for euthanasia. This change has raised concerns about societal attitudes towards suicide prevention versus suicide assistance and its impact on doctor-patient relationships.
The latest development in Quebec permits advance requests for euthanasia from individuals diagnosed with serious illnesses like Alzheimer's disease who may lose their capacity to consent later. This raises ethical questions about informed consent and potential conflicts if a person changes their mind after losing capacity.
Despite federal laws prohibiting advance requests for euthanasia, Quebec's decision indicates a shift towards broader acceptance of such practices across Canada. The federal government is exploring expanding this approach nationwide through a three-month national conversation.
Canadian Member of Parliament Garnett Genuis criticized this move by stating, "There has to be contemporaneous consent in the context of sexual consent. Why would we have a different and lower standard for someone consenting to die than for someone consenting to engage in sexual relations?"
Achtman emphasizes that dementia should not be viewed as a death sentence and advocates for transformative care rather than premature death. She warns other jurisdictions about Canada's trajectory and urges resistance against similar practices elsewhere.
Achtman also shared lessons learned from Canada's experience: once legalized, euthanasia cannot remain limited; eligibility criteria devalue everyone fitting them; recognizing life's value amid suffering is crucial; and addressing cultural crises related to insecurity and self-rejection is essential.
Charlie Camosy, professor at Creighton School of Medicine and moral theology fellow at St. Joseph Seminary, contributed insights into these issues alongside Achtman's perspectives.
