John Scully, a former war correspondent grappling with severe mental illness, is urging the Canadian government to proceed with expanding medically assisted dying as the Liberal party faces a crucial decision on the matter. Scully, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, emphasizes the importance of having the option of medically assisted death for individuals like him.
Canada legalized medical assistance in dying in 2016, and in 2021, Parliament approved expanding eligibility to include individuals with mental disorders as their sole underlying condition. However, the implementation, initially set for March 2023, was delayed by the Liberal government for an additional year due to widespread concerns about potential consequences.
Opponents, including some disability advocates, worry that the expansion could lead to abuse and coercion, with individuals opting for assisted death rather than receiving necessary support, including mental health care and housing. A joint parliamentary committee was assigned to assess the readiness of the health-care system for these changes, and the Liberals are now faced with deciding whether to move forward with the broadened rules.
Justice Minister Arif Virani stated last month that he would carefully consider the committee’s recommendations, leaving the possibility of another delay open. The concerns raised include fears of increased vulnerability and potential misuse of assisted dying.
Scully, 82, who has tried various treatments for his mental health issues without success, emphasizes the need for the option of medically assisted dying, not as an immediate choice but as an alternative to suicide. Despite the government’s intention to address mental health and well-being, Scully believes that the proposed expansion is vital for individuals who silently suffer.
While supporters argue that excluding mental disorders from assisted dying amounts to discrimination and could lead to legal challenges, constitutional law experts express uncertainty about the issue. The potential success of any future court challenges remains uncertain, and opinions on the matter are divided.
The debate over expanding medically assisted dying in Canada has been ongoing since a 2015 Supreme Court decision and subsequent legislative changes in 2021. The proposed expansion to include mental disorders as a sole reason for seeking assisted death sparked swift reactions, with differing views on the constitutional rights involved.
As the government contemplates its decision, individuals like Scully stress the importance of having options for those facing intolerable suffering due to mental illnesses. The potential delay could force such individuals into legal battles, adding an additional layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.