In just 18 months, Canadians will be eligible for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) on the basis of mental illness alone – unless a bill is passed to stop it.
I can think of many reasons why MAiD for mental illness would be problematic. Thoughts of suicide and a closed view of the future are symptoms of some mental illnesses. The unpredictable trajectory of mental illness, in that experts say it is difficult, if not impossible, to know if an individual patient will improve. The complexity, time and expense involved in finding effective treatments and support when our healthcare system and social safety net are so fractured. The impact of stigma on these decisions.
How did we get here?
The law on MAiD that was passed in
2021 allows MAiD on the basis of mental illness, but there was a delay built in before that part of the law would take effect.
That delay has been extended twice now, in
2023 and
2024, but that delay is slated to expire on March 17, 2027.
When the 2021 legislation was first introduced, it specifically
excluded mental illness alone from making a person eligible for MAiD. It was a last minute change made
in the Senate, and later passed in the House of Commons, to include a sunset clause that would remove the exclusion of mental illness alone after a certain period of time. When that time is up, the clause that excludes MAiD on the basis of mental illness will disappear.
I think many Canadians – and possibly many MPs – don’t realize that MAiD for mental illness alone is on its way. There is no law that needs to pass in order for this to happen.
Is there anything we can do?
YES. A bill has already been introduced that would stop MAiD for mental illness.
Bill C-218 would reverse the law allowing MAiD when mental illness is a person’s only underlying medical condition.
This is a private member’s bill, introduced by an individual MP. It will need broad public support to pass.
We are encouraging Canadian Christians to speak up. To take just 15 minutes to contact their local MP and encourage them to support this important bill. In just 15 minutes, it’s possible to look up your
MP’s contact information and call your MP’s office. The EFC has
sample wording you can use, but it can be as simple as saying, “I’m really concerned about MAiD for mental illness starting in March 2027. Will you support Bill C-218 to stop MAiD for mental illness?”
Leave a voicemail, send an email, tell a personal story. Do all three. Your MP will take note of your communication. The more ways you communicate, the more people who get in touch, it will all help stop this expansion.
And pray
Pray for your MP before and after you call. Pray for laws that protect our neighbours in their vulnerable moments. Pray for those who would be at risk with this expansion. Pray for Canadians to know hope, not despair.
Pray for our churches to be compassionate and supportive places for people struggling with mental health.
Pray that we would know God’s grace and strength. Pray for God to be glorified in our midst.
Will you take a few minutes to call your MP and to tell a friend what’s happening? Together we can make a difference!
For more information on how to stop MAiD for mental illness and how to communicate with your MP, see
TheEFC.ca/C-218