Vulnerable groups at risk as Canada expands physician assisted suicide

CANADA – The move by Canada’s federal government to extend legal physician assisted suicide and euthanasia has been met with widespread concern that the most vulnerable in our society are being placed at risk.

On March 17, 2021, Bill C-7 received royal assent, following a vote in the Senate earlier that day. The House of Commons had earlier voted on March 11 to accept the bill. The new legislation allows those who are not nearing natural death to nevertheless seek assistance in ending their lives. Previous safeguards intended to protect vulnerable people—such as the ten-day reflection period between requesting assisted death and receiving it, as well as the requirement that those receiving euthanasia be able to consent again at the time of death—have been removed.

Previous safeguards intended to protect vulnerable people—such as the ten-day reflection period between requesting assisted death and receiving it, as well as the requirement that those receiving euthanasia be able to consent again at the time of death—have been removed.

In addition, the bill will allow those suffering from mental illness (and no other condition) to seek euthanasia as of March 2023.

Concern that the new legislation opens vulnerable groups to risk is widespread and transcends political ties: all members of the Conservative Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party, along with several members of the Liberal Party and independents, voted against the bill in the House.

In 2020, Lutheran Church–Canada’s President Timothy Teuscher joined numerous other Canadian religious leaders in a joint letter opposing the bill. “Offering euthanasia or assisted suicide to those living with a disability or chronic illness, but who are not dying, suggests that living with a disability illness is a fate worse than death,” they write. “This will create certain pressures to accept such lethal procedures, putting the lives of these Canadians at risk.” Similar concerns were raised for those suffering mental illness.

“We must embrace those who suffer,” the letter continues, “and offer exceptional care to those who are confronting illness and death; to deploy our expertise and resources in confronting complex cases of care, rather than choosing lethal procedures that are incompatible with the dignity of both the patient and the health-care professional.”

“We must embrace those who suffer,” the letter continues, “and offer exceptional care to those who are confronting illness and death; to deploy our expertise and resources in confronting complex cases of care, rather than choosing lethal procedures that are incompatible with the dignity of both the patient and the health-care professional.”

Among those lamenting the passage of Bill C-7 is the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, of which Lutheran Church–Canada is a member. “This bill changed Canada’s law on medical assistance in dying (MAID) in crucial and tragic ways,” they write. “We lament the devaluing of human life… We grieve, as well, that Canada is offering hastened death to people who are far too often not able to access the help and support they need to live.”

“Every national disability group in Canada, UN human rights experts, and countless others voiced objections and deep concerns,” they continue. “In spite of this, the bill was not only passed, but provisions were added to extend its reach farther. It is unconscionable that we would make it easier to access an assisted death in Canada than it is to receive quality palliative care, or than it is for individuals living with disability, chronic illness, or mental illness to access the medical and social supports they need to enjoy living on an equal basis with other Canadians.”

Lutheran Church–Canada has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the sanctity of life, and encourages members wishing to learn more about life-issues to connect with Lutherans for Life-Canada at lutheransforlife-canada.ca.

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