Psychiatry chairs at medical schools oppose expanding MAID for mental illness
The heads of psychiatry at 13 Canadian medical schools are urging the federal government to indefinitely pause the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness. They argue that current medical standards lack reliable ways to assess irremediability, distinguish suicide from MAID requests, and protect vulnerable patients. The parliamentary committee reviewing the issue is expected to make a recommendation by March, as the government weighs whether to proceed with the expansion.
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ShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountThe heads of psychiatry at 13 Canadian medical schools are calling on the federal government to halt the expansion of assisted dying to people whose sole condition is mental illness.In a letter addressed to the parliamentary committee that is exploring this issue, the chairs argue that there is no accurate way to determine when a mental disorder is incurable, no way to distinguish between suicidality and a MAID request, and no way to adequately protect vulnerable patients.Following its final meeting May 5, the committee is expected to issue its recommendation to the government on whether to go ahead with the expansion in March.
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