People with mental health conditions might become eligible for physician-assisted death in Canada in the near future.

In March, Canada is poised to legalize medically assisted death for individuals with mental illness, a move that appears to have created division within the country. The proposed law would distinguish Canada as one of the few nations allowing this procedure solely for those with mental health conditions, according to the New York Times. Jason French, a person who has attempted suicide twice, expressed support for the law, stating he “can’t keep suffering.”

Nevertheless, critics argue that the legislation reflects shortcomings in Canada’s healthcare system, particularly in the realm of psychiatric care.

The nation legalized medically assisted death for individuals with terminal illnesses in 2016, and the legislation was later broadened in 2021 to encompass other serious medical conditions. The 2021 amendment excluded those whose exclusive health concern was mental illness for a designated two-year period, up to March 17, 2023, as outlined by the health ministry.

However, there have been delays in the parliamentary process, and The Times indicates that implementation might be postponed again, creating uncertainty about whether the expansion will proceed as scheduled in March.

In 2022, 13,241 Canadians chose assisted death, marking a 31.2% increase from the previous year and a 32.6% rise from 2021 to 2020, as per health ministry data. The average growth rate from 2019 to 2022 stood at 31.1%.

Certain healthcare professionals and critics of the extension express concerns that individuals without hope may choose death over treatment that could require years.

Dr. John Maher, a psychiatrist based in Barrie, Ontario, conveyed to The Times: ““I’m trying to keep my patients alive. What does it mean for the role of the physician, as healer, as bringer of hope, to be offering death? And what does it mean in practice?”