Alberta lawmakers hoping to increase euthanasia safeguards

Lawmakers in Alberta, Canada, have introduced legislation to restrict Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in the province, marking the first efforts to stymie the explosion of euthanasia in a country that has quickly become the world's leader in medically-assisted deaths.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta lawmakers have introduced legislation that would place restrictions and "safeguards" around euthanasia deaths in an attempt to "protect vulnerable Albertans."

• Like the rest of Canada, Alberta has seen euthanasia deaths skyrocket since the legalization of MAiD in 2016.

• Advocates for vulnerable populations are praising the new legislation as a positive step forward.

The Details:

As introduced, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act would:

• prohibit MAID for anyone for whom death is not "reasonably foreseeable"

• require that anyone accessing MAiD be over the age of 18

• prevent anyone from making an advance request for MAiD

• prohibit doctors from referring patients to MAiD practitioners outside of Alberta

• enshrine conscience protections for medical professionals who object to the practice

Additionally, medical professionals would be prohibited from suggesting MAiD or bringing it up in conversation — a scenario which currently happens with alarming frequency.

According to the BBC, Alberta is the first jurisdiction to try to strengthen, rather than loosen, safeguards surrounding MAiD deaths.

"This legislation strengthens safeguards and restores clear limits on eligibility to protect vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness or living with disabilities," explained Premier Danielle Smith. "Those struggling with severe mental health challenges need treatment, compassion and support, not a path to end their life at what may be their lowest moment."

The proposal has received favorable feedback from those advocating for the rights of the vulnerable, including Mara Grunau, chief executive of the Canadian Mental Health Association's Alberta division

"Recovery from mental illness and suicidality is possible, expected even," Grunau said. "For that reason, we welcome the steps Alberta is taking to strengthen protections for those experiencing mental illness."

The Big Picture:

Since Canada legalized euthanasia in 2016, MAiD deaths have quickly skyrocketed across the country, and Alberta is no exception.

According to data from Alberta Health Services, there were 1,242 MAiD deaths in 2025, a number Smith pointed out is a 109% increase from the 594 deaths in 2021.

Throughout Canada, stories have emerged of people qualifying for MAiD due to disability, poverty, and even financial issues. Advocates are pushing to expand euthanasia even further, with an emphasis on soon allowing those with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety to qualify for MAiD.

Since its legalization less than a decade ago, nearly 100,000 people have been killed through assisted suicide or euthanasia in Canada, making it one of the leading causes of death in the country.

The Bottom Line:

Alberta lawmakers are right to notice that euthanasia has gotten out of hand, and implementing safeguards is a positive step; however, the only way to truly protect the vulnerable and treat everyone with dignity is to make euthanasia both illegal and unthinkable.