A bill that received first reading in Canada’s Parliament on Oct. 27 would stop medical assistance in dying (MAID) for mental illness alone. But the country’s national evangelical alliance is concerned that it would still allow advance requests for MAID.
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) welcomed Bill C-41, known as the Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act, which was put forward by Justice Minister Sean Fraser. But it said it opposes the bill’s provision on advance requests.
The Canadian government said in a press release that provinces and territories could permit advance requests for MAID if they pass their own legislation.
“The Act would set minimum requirements for the lawful provision of MAID based on an advance request,” the government said.
“Provinces and territories that wish to permit advance requests in their jurisdictions would need to enact legislation to ensure safe implementation.”
Under the bill, people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease could make advance requests in provinces or territories that allow them.
“Adults who have been diagnosed with a capacity-limiting disease, like Alzheimer’s, would be eligible to make such a request in provinces or territories that have chosen to permit advance requests in their jurisdictions,” the government said. “Provinces and territories are responsible for regulating and delivering health care. The federal government will continue working with them in implementation.”
In a news update, the EFC said ending MAID for mental illness alone was the right conclusion.
The plan for advance requests, however, drew concern from the group.
“We are very concerned that the bill would also allow advance requests for MAiD when certain criteria are met. We oppose advance requests for euthanasia,” the EFC said.
According to the EFC, an advance request for MAID sets a “dangerous precedent” because it applies when a person is no longer able to give consent. The group said the approach devalues human life and pledged to keep close watch on the bill.
