OTTAWA: The Canadian government has refuted claims that it is encouraging minors to commit suicide through its medical assistance in dying process (MAID). Social media users have been sharing a screenshot from the website of an independent organization, Dying With Dignity Canada, which advocates for certain mature minors with severe medical conditions to have access to MAID. However, these claims misrepresent the organization’s position and the Canadian government’s stance on the issue.
As of now, Canada’s euthanasia laws do not apply to minors, and MAID is only available to adults aged 18 or older with serious illnesses, diseases, or disabilities. While the Canadian government has stated that it will explore end-of-life options for young people, it has no immediate plans to lower the minimum age requirement for MAID eligibility.
Read Dying With Dignity Canada's response to a recent opinion piece in the @globeandmail. "Eligible people who choose MAID should not be burdened with the uncompromising rules of a building." https://t.co/PhDSAaaH5c pic.twitter.com/2rahEO61vm
— Dying With Dignity Canada (@DWDCanada) July 25, 2023
Canada’s Euthanasia Laws Do Not Apply to Minors
The screenshot shared on social media shows the top of a page titled “Mature minors” on Dying With Dignity Canada’s website, advocating for mature minors to have the right to choose MAID with appropriate safeguards in place. However, the organization does not encourage minors or anyone else to die, including by suicide.
Canada’s current MAID criteria require a person to be 18 years old and mentally capable of making their own health care decisions. They must have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, voluntarily request assistance, and give informed consent. Two independent medical practitioners assess each MAID request.
The Canadian government has no intentions of altering the minimum age requirement for MAID. However, it has been considering research to understand the views and perspectives of young people and their parents/caregivers regarding suffering and end-of-life options, including MAID.
If mature minors eventually become eligible for MAID, experts emphasize the importance of implementing appropriate safeguards to ensure that the process is not coercive and respects the autonomy of the individuals involved.
