Advocates Rally for Bill to Ban Euthanasia for Mental Illness

Members of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) held a press conference on October 28, 2023, to express their support for a private member’s bill that aims to prohibit euthanasia for individuals suffering solely from mental illness. The bill, known as Bill C-218, was introduced by Conservative Member of Parliament Tamara Jansen in June and is currently undergoing its second reading in the House of Commons.

The coalition contends that expanding medical assistance in dying (MAID) to include those with mental health diagnoses poses significant ethical concerns. During the conference, EPC president Gordon Friesen emphasized that the support for MAID stems not from a belief that certain patients should die, but rather from the notion of allowing individuals to make “free, informed, competent and adult choices.”

Friesen articulated the coalition’s perspective, noting that the proposal to include mental illness in MAID legislation raises complex issues regarding the capacity of mentally ill individuals to make such decisions. He asserted that the current framework does not adequately safeguard against potential abuses or the possible coercion of vulnerable populations.

In Bill C-218, the proposed legislation seeks to clarify that MAID should not be available to individuals whose sole diagnosis is a mental health condition. This initiative comes in the wake of ongoing debates surrounding the ethical implications of euthanasia and assisted dying, particularly when mental illness is involved.

The EPC has drawn attention to concerns that individuals with mental health issues often face significant societal stigma, which may affect their decision-making capabilities. They argue that ensuring a robust support system for mental health treatment should be prioritized over the option of euthanasia.

Friesen highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive approach to mental health care, stating, “We believe that everyone deserves proper treatment and support, and not an option that allows for death.” The coalition advocates for enhanced mental health services that empower individuals to seek help, rather than considering euthanasia as a solution.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to generate further discourse on the intersection of mental health and euthanasia. The EPC aims to mobilize public opinion against the inclusion of mental illness in MAID legislation, advocating for policies that protect vulnerable individuals rather than offering them an option for assisted dying.

The upcoming discussions in the House of Commons will likely reflect the diverse opinions surrounding this sensitive issue, as stakeholders from various sectors continue to engage in the debate. The EPC’s advocacy efforts underscore a growing movement aimed at ensuring that mental health considerations are treated with the utmost care and sensitivity in legislative contexts.

With the potential for significant implications for mental health policy, Bill C-218 stands as a pivotal point in the ongoing dialogue about how society addresses the needs of individuals with mental health challenges.