C-218 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) – prevents people from qualifying for MAID based entirely on mental health issues.
Easy one here, just a change to the Criminal Code to clarify that a mental health issue is not a “grievous and irremediable medical condition”. This means the only people who can qualify for MAID are those with physical health issues.
A bit of context is useful here. Last year legislation was passed delaying expanding MAID to include mental illness until 2027. There were a lot of concerns around the expansion and a lot of uncertainty if our healthcare system was properly prepared for it. Will our doctors be able to properly diagnose who qualifies for MAID and who doesn’t? Do they have the training and resources to ensure these people are aware of what they’re asking for? To give more time for training and resources to support this expansion it was delayed. Tamara wants to cancel the expansion instead.
Progress of C-218
C-218 is currently waiting for its Second Reading vote.
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Decisions like this should only be made by two parties: a doctor and their patient, not by some well-off and out of touch politician. Another Con-proposal clearly influenced by the foreign interference of the propaganda of anti-science fascist American government, sadly.
As usual, Cons with NO COMMON SENSE. Mental health can be as debilitating as other MAID issues. To deny that is just not realistic. No to Cons and their denial. NO.
Mental health is health. Develop the procedures to assess and better support people if that is what is needed.