Canada Reports Record High in Medically Assisted Deaths
A growing number of deaths in Canada result from euthanasia, though the vast majority involve terminal illnesses, according to newly released government data.
In 2023, more than 15,000 Canadians received medical assistance in dying (MAID), marking a record high. Federal statistics reveal, however, that the growth in cases has significantly slowed. Assisted deaths accounted for 4.7% of total deaths in 2023, up from 4.1% the previous year.
Approximately 96% of MAID cases in both 2023 and 2022 involved individuals with terminal conditions, with cancer being the most frequently cited reason. The median age of those seeking euthanasia was 78.
Canada is among a small group of countries, including Austria, Australia, and Spain, that have implemented assisted dying laws in recent years. While MAID in Canada is currently limited to individuals with physical health conditions, the government is considering expanding eligibility. Proposed changes include allowing advanced requests for those with degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s or dementia, enabling them to make decisions about assisted death before the condition progresses.
Additionally, assisted dying for individuals with mental illnesses is expected to become legal by 2027, following prolonged delays.
Health Canada’s fifth annual report on MAID showed a 15.8% increase in cases from 2022, with 15,343 people accessing the program in 2023. This represents a significant deceleration from the 31% average annual growth rate recorded between 2019 and 2022. However, the report noted that it remains uncertain whether this slower growth signals a long-term stabilization in demand.
Meanwhile, Statistics Canada reported a 2.4% decline in overall deaths in 2023, with 326,571 deaths recorded nationwide. Cancer remains the leading cause of death. Preliminary data suggest that medically assisted deaths are not adding to the total number of deaths but are replacing those that would have occurred from terminal illnesses.
