Canada’s assisted death laws, already among the world’s most liberal, are set to extend to include mentally ill individuals.
This move has sparked intense debate, with critics arguing that it reflects a failure in the country’s mental health care system, while supporters advocate for equal access to end suffering.
The government’s decision has faced opposition from various political factions, with concerns about the impact on suicide prevention efforts and the ability to accurately assess mental health conditions. (Trending: Democrat Targets U.S. Troops With New Gun Control Law)
The implementation of this law has been delayed multiple times, and some medical professionals feel unequipped to make the necessary assessments.
Jason French said, “My goal from the start was to get better.”
“Unfortunately, I’m resistant to all these treatments and the bottom line is, I can’t keep suffering. I can’t keep living my life like this,” he continued.
Dr. John Maher, a psychiatrist, said, “I’m trying to keep my patients alive.”
“What does it mean for the role of the physician, as healer, as bringer of hope, to be offering death? And what does it mean in practice?” he continued.
Dr. Alexandra McPherson, a psychiatry professor at the University of Alberta, said, “I have a very deep empathy for patients who suffer deeply.”
Dr. McPherson said she treats patients, “with severe disabling mental health disorders who suffer equally to the patients that I see in cancer care.”
Lisa Marr, a former paramedic diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder said, “The only reason I haven’t done it yet, I think, is I’m waiting for this decision in March.”
Meanwhile, individuals like Jason French and Lisa Marr are advocating for the choice to end their suffering through assisted death, highlighting the deeply personal and emotional nature of this contentious issue.
Dr. Mona Gupta, the chair of a government panel, said, “The work has been done.”
“We are ready,” added Gupta.
Dr. Maher said, “The research that we have shows psychiatrists are no better at identifying who’s not going to get better.”
“The challenge for us is it’s not a short term process. When people have been sick for years, healing takes years,” he explained.
Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, chief medical officer at The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said, “We’ve been clear that we have concerns about expansion at this time.”
Lisa Marr, the former paramedic, said, “All the medications I take just barely keep me together.”
“Then, my mental health started to rear its ugly head,” added Marr.
“My biggest fear is surviving,” said Jason French.
“I don’t want to have to die terrified and alone, and have someone find me somewhere. I want to do it with a doctor. I want to die within a few minutes, peacefully,” added the Toronto resident.
Most Popular:
Democrat Found Guilty In Corruption Trial
Joe Biden Emailed Hunter’s Business Associates 54 Times
Trans Athlete Breaks College Record After Joining Women’s Team
