Euthanasia in Canada: A Growing Concern as Rates Reach 4.7% of Deaths

Assisted dying in Canada has seen a significant rise, with nearly 15,300 individuals choosing euthanasia last year. As lawmakers consider extending these options to those with mental illnesses, debates intensify around ethical implications and demographic disparities.

Canada's evolving stance on euthanasia has taken center stage with the release of its fifth annual report revealing that nearly 15,300 people opted for medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2023. This figure represents approximately 4.7% of all deaths in the country, marking an increase from previous years, albeit at a slower pace than the average rise of 31% in preceding years. The report, published by Health Canada, also highlights the demographic trends among those seeking assisted dying for the first time, including insights into ethnic backgrounds.

The report notes that the number of requests for assisted dying in Canada grew by nearly 16% this year, prompting lawmakers to consider expanding access to include individuals suffering from mental illnesses by 2027. Canada has emerged as one of a select few countries to implement assisted dying legislation in the last decade, joining nations such as Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Austria.

Interestingly, the data shows that 96% of recipients had a foreseeable natural death, with the average age of individuals seeking euthanasia being around 77 years. Cancer emerged as the most common underlying medical condition in these cases. In terms of ethnicity, about 96% of those who received assisted dying were identified as white, raising questions about potential disparities, as this demographic constitutes approximately 70% of Canada's population.

Quebec remains the province with the highest rate of euthanasia, accounting for nearly 37% of assisted deaths, despite comprising only 22% of Canada's population. Concerned by this disparity, Quebec's government has initiated a study to understand the factors contributing to its elevated numbers.

While Canada's assisted dying program continues to grow, it still lags behind the Netherlands, where euthanasia accounted for about 5% of total deaths last year. Recent discussions in the UK parliament regarding similar legislation have referenced Canada's experience as a cautionary tale, prompting scrutiny about the adequacy of safeguards within its assisted dying system.

Although Canada's assisted dying laws initially limited eligibility to those with foreseeable deaths, access was broadened in 2021 to encompass individuals with chronic, non-terminal conditions. However, plans to extend eligibility to individuals with mental illnesses faced delays amid concerns from provinces regarding the healthcare system's capacity to handle such an expansion. In response to these apprehensions, Health Canada maintains that stringent criteria are in place to govern eligibility for euthanasia.

Opposition voices, including those from the Christian think tank Cardus, have deemed the rising statistics "alarming," indicating Canada's rapid growth in assisted dying policies. Recent reports from Ontario, Canada's most populated province, revealed controversial cases where euthanasia requests were granted to individuals not nearing their natural death, highlighting the ethical complexities surrounding the issue.

As Canada navigates its evolving euthanasia framework, ongoing debates illuminate critical questions around accessibility, safeguards, and the impact of socioeconomic factors that bring individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges to consider assisted dying as an option.