Canada's Upcoming Law: Assisting a 47-Year-Old Anorexic's Desire for Death

Canada will soon expand its criteria for medically assisted death (MAID) to include individuals with mental illness as their sole underlying condition. This move, set to take effect in March 2024, will make Canada one of the most expansive countries in the world when it comes to MAID. Proponents argue that it is a matter of personal autonomy, while critics express concerns about potential abuse and the lack of access to social services that could exacerbate suffering. In 2021, approximately 3.3% of deaths in Canada were medically assisted deaths, with the majority conforming to legal rules. However, a small number of cases were deemed worthy of investigation. Some medical experts and disability rights advocates argue against expanding MAID, citing difficulties in determining the irremediability of mental illness and the potential risks to vulnerable populations.