The progressive Canadian government is moving forward with proposals to revise the nation’s “assisted suicide” legislation, potentially enabling officials to administer euthanasia to minors without requiring parental approval.
The acceptance of assisted suicide and euthanasia has been growing rapidly in the land of our northern neighbor, notes Slay News.
The government has persistently eased limitations on its Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) program. At the outset, the program was designed to offer terminally ill individuals an alternative to avoid a prolonged, painful demise. Nevertheless, over time, the regulations governing the program have become increasingly lenient, the report continued.
Now, Canadians have the option to request euthanasia for various reasons, encompassing minor health issues, financial hardship, or homelessness. Nonetheless, ongoing attempts aim to broaden the scope even more.
A recent government report on MAiD was submitted to Parliament. This report advocates for extending eligibility for physician-assisted death to include minors, bypassing the need for parental approval.
Last week, the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying unveiled its most recent report, encompassing a proposal that would enable minors to seek MAiD.
“For MAID and mature minors, the committee heard a mix of views about whether MAID should be available to those under the age of 18,” the report read.
“Many witnesses believed that age alone does not determine whether someone is capable of consenting to MAID. At the same time, a cautious approach was recommended, especially since there is little evidence from youth themselves on this topic,” the report said.
“Most witnesses agreed that if MAID for mature minors were allowed, it should only be under track one (reasonably foreseeable natural death). The committee recommends that mature minors should have access to MAID under track one,” it added. “The committee also recommends that youth be consulted on the topic of MAID and mature minors.”
The committee subsequently suggested that within a five-year timeframe, Canada should initiate funding for research and engage in consultations “with minors on the topic of MAID, including minors with terminal illnesses, minors with disabilities, minors in the child welfare system and Indigenous minors.” Furthermore, the report proposed that minors be granted access to euthanasia, irrespective of parental disapproval:
That the Government of Canada establish a requirement that, where appropriate, the parents or guardians of a mature minor be consulted in the course of the assessment process for MAID, but that the will of a minor who is found to have the requisite decision-making capacity ultimately takes priority.
Conservatives opposed the change but they are outnumbered in the Canadian legislature so their input means nothing.
