Just two weeks to comment on expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying legislation

CANADA – Canadians have just two weeks to participate in a new online consultation while the federal government considers expansions to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The consultation window will close January 27, 2020.

In September, a Quebec Superior Court struck down parts of Canada’s laws on physician assisted suicide and euthanasia, arguing that they were too restrictive—namely over parts of the legislation that require those seeking MAID to be facing “foreseeable death.” This aspect of existing legislation acts as a safeguard, protecting vulnerable Canadians like the disabled from coercion into physician assisted suicide or euthanasia.

The federal government has declined to challenge the Quebec court’s ruling, meaning it has until March 11, 2020 to enact new legislation. The online consultation also suggests that the federal government is considering removing the requirement that forbids advance requests for MAID, which safeguards against involuntary euthanasia without the patient’s consent.

“It seems likely that the government will introduce a bill to expand access to MAID and to remove certain safeguards,” said the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), noting the announcement of the online consultation. The EFC, of which Lutheran Church–Canada is a member, “opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, and advocates for the strongest possible safeguards and limited eligibility in any government legislation. Further, the EFC shares the deep concern of Canadians with disabilities, that they may become more vulnerable to press to end their lives if critical safeguards are removed.”

To that end, the EFC is urging Canadians to quickly make their voices heard on the expansion of MAID legislation by writing to the minister of justice, and by completing the online consultation before it closes January 27.

The survey takes about 15 minutes to fill out. The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which Lutheran Church–Canada is a member, has provided helpful advice for those wishing to fill out the survey in a life-affirming way here. On the same page you can also download a sample letter which you can send to the Minister of Justice expressing your concerns over the removal of safeguards to MAID in Canada.

You can participate in the government’s two-week window of consultations on MAID online here.

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