Canadian bishops maintain opposition to 'assisted dying' on its 10th anniversary

For the 10th anniversary of Canada's legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide on June 17, Canada’s Catholic bishops released a statement indicating that the practice, known in Canada as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), represents a serious breach of human dignity and must be reversed.

Key Takeaways:

• The bishops' statement emphasized their continued rejection of MAiD.

• Rather than helping people to die, the bishops said Canada should be offering better health care for vulnerable Canadians.

The Details:

The bishops reinforced their staunch rejection of euthanasia and assisted suicide, calling for a national commitment to authentic palliative care instead.

Their statement emphasized key data while voicing reservations over the ongoing expansion of MAiD, and its consequences on vulnerable individuals in Canada:

Grave concern is warranted regarding the continued expansion of the eligibility criteria for “MAID,” which puts increasing numbers of Canadians at risk. In 2016, only individuals whose death was “reasonably foreseeable” were eligible for “MAID” with so-called “safeguards” in place.

Subsequent legislation in 2021, however, considerably broadened the criteria, expanding access to include those whose death is not reasonably foreseeable, but whose condition is “grievous and irremediable.” On this occasion, we reject complacency with the status quo on euthanasia in Canada. Formed by the Gospel, we are called to draw near to those who suffer: not to ignore, trivialize, or abandon them in their pain or despair, but to accompany them with compassion, practical care, and hope (cf. Lk 10:30-37).

We actively seek opportunities for effective, collaborative strategies to provide concrete and compassionate support to those living with serious physical or mental illness, those with disabilities, and those nearing the end of life, as well as their families and caregivers. As disciples of Christ, we affirm that every human life is a gift, holds profound dignity and value, and is part of a human community (cf. Mt 25:31-46).

True compassion does not answer suffering with death, but accompanies those who suffer with hope, presence, palliative care, and relief of pain. Together with healthcare professionals, patients, and families, our faith teaches that we must strive for proportionate treatment options that neither unduly prolong nor intentionally hasten death, but instead offer life-affirming and compassionate care.

The statement from the standing committee urged a renewed spirit of prayer for those who are sick, suffering, or nearing death, as well as for their families, caregivers, and medical professionals.

Additionally, the statement calls for prayer for individuals who have perished via assisted suicide and for those who mourn them, while urging a transformation of hearts and minds toward a culture that embraces every human life as a gift and faithfully supports the most vulnerable.

Zoom In:

When Canada initially legalized MAiD in 2016, eligibility was restricted to adults who were deemed “terminally ill.” Successive legislative changes and court decrees have drastically widened access, with adverse ramifications for those involved.

At the moment, individuals do not have to be terminally ill to qualify for MAiD in Canada. Those suffering from chronic conditions, disabilities, and even non-life-threatening illnesses may request assisted death. 

Canada is approaching an unprecedented milestone, with projections indicating that over 100,000 individuals will have died by MAiD by the end of 2026. 

This sobering threshold arrived 10 years after the legalization MAiD in 2016 under former pro-abortion leader Justin Trudeau. An estimated 45 Canadians lose their lives to MAiD each day in the country.

The Bottom Line:

Assisted suicide laws can coerce individuals who feel like a liability to their families or the health care system to end their lives intentionally.

Recent years have witnessed various high-profile cases in Canada garnering international attention, including reports of individuals procuring MAiD owing to homelessness, and insufficient or restricted access to medical treatment. These cases have boosted criticism that the MAiD system is betraying and failing those it alleges to help.