A parliamentary committee reviewing euthanasia laws is examining whether conditions such as depression could qualify under Canada’s assisted dying framework.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A Canadian parliamentary committee reviewing the country’s assisted dying laws heard testimony suggesting that individuals with certain mental health conditions, including depression and eating disorders, could potentially be considered eligible for euthanasia under specific circumstances, LifeSite News reported.
During a recent session of the Special Joint Parliamentary Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying, psychiatrist Mona Gupta addressed questions from lawmakers about how eligibility criteria might apply to individuals suffering from psychiatric conditions. According to a report presented to lawmakers, Gupta indicated that determinations would depend on individual cases.
Gupta, who is affiliated with the University of Montreal, was asked directly by Conservative Member of Parliament Andrew Lawton whether conditions such as depression or eating disorders could qualify a person for assisted death under Canada’s MAiD system. When asked if such cases could be considered, she responded that it would “depend on the circumstances of the person,” and acknowledged that it could “potentially” be possible.
The exchange, which was highlighted in a video shared online, focused in part on how the concept of “treatment resistance” is applied in medical practice. Gupta noted that the term is not formally used within MAiD legislation, emphasizing that clinical decisions typically require pursuing recognized treatment options, though individual factors may affect whether those treatments are feasible.
Lawton also asked whether a patient who declines available treatment could still be considered for assisted dying. Gupta stated that in such cases, it would not be “appropriate to consider MAiD.”
The Special Joint Committee was established by the federal government to evaluate whether Canada should expand its assisted dying framework to include individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. The panel includes members from multiple parties, with differing views on the scope of the law.
Canada’s current MAiD framework requires that individuals experience what is defined as a “grievous and irremediable” medical condition, accompanied by enduring suffering that cannot be alleviated under conditions acceptable to the patient.
The committee’s work comes as policymakers continue to debate whether mental illness should be included under those criteria. Earlier this year, the federal government announced the creation of the committee following ongoing discussions about the program’s scope.
At the same time, other developments have drawn attention to how the system is being applied. According to one reported case, an elderly patient declined an offer of assisted dying while receiving hospital care. In another instance, a separate report described a case involving a patient with partial blindness.
Provincial governments have also taken steps related to the issue. In Alberta, officials introduced legislation aimed at restricting access to assisted dying, including provisions affecting eligibility and allowing medical professionals to opt out. The measure was advanced by the government of Premier Danielle Smith, whose administration stated the goal was to strengthen safeguards. Details of the proposal were outlined in reporting on the bill and further discussed in coverage of the premier’s response.
At the federal level, lawmakers have delayed the expansion of assisted dying eligibility for individuals with mental illness until 2027, citing concerns raised by medical organizations, advocacy groups, and provincial governments. That decision was detailed in a government update.
Since its legalization in 2016, Canada’s assisted dying program has expanded significantly. According to analysis of the system’s growth, the number of cases has increased substantially over time. Health Canada has also examined potential policy changes, including advance requests for assisted dying, as outlined in a series of studies.
Recent mortality data shows that assisted dying is now among the leading causes of death in Canada, according to figures published by Statistics Canada.
The parliamentary committee is expected to continue its review as lawmakers weigh the legal, medical, and ethical considerations surrounding the potential expansion of the MAiD program.
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