Christian Legal Fellowship has submitted a brief to the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying. The Committee is undertaking a "statutory review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to Medical Assistance in Dying and their application", including issues relating to mature minors, advance requests, mental illness, the state of palliative care in Canada and the protection of Canadians with disabilities.
CLF's brief expresses concern that MAID is shifting from "an exceptional procedure to hasten an already-foreseeable death, to a widely-available option to terminate a person’s life because they have lost their sense of hope and meaning."
CLF's brief and background paper highlight reports of such cases, including Canadians who have received MAID in connection with "isolation or loneliness", or as a result of socioeconomic distress, or who have "applied for MAiD essentially...because of abject poverty".
CLF's submissions urge Parliament to consider the rights and interests of all Canadians, including those "who have the right to be free from pressures, direct or indirect, to receive MAID". The brief concludes with the recommendation "that the government (1) prioritize healthcare, supports, and safeguards for all Canadians; (2) respond to concerning reports about non-compliance and questionable cases of MAID to date; and (3) do so before expanding MAID further."
CLF also prepared a more comprehensive background paper to accompany our 1000-word brief, to provide further context, information, and references in support of our recommendations. The background paper further explains why strict limits around MAID are constitutionally justifiable, particularly in relation to minors or cases involving mental illness.
The Special Joint Committee has been tasked to “submit to Parliament a final report of its review, including a statement of any recommended changes” by October 17, 2022.
FURTHER READING
Read CLF’s Brief in French or English, and read further about CLF’s work in advocating for Dignity for All.