Still, the bill was meant to continue to prohibit MAID for “individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness” (justice.gc.ca). According to MP Harder, senate amendments would alter that and allow mental illness to be the big reason someone requests assistance in dying. The proposed changes would fly in the face of suicide prevention campaigns, and a general fight to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has a firm stance against this, stating “as a recovery-oriented organization, CMHA does not believe that mental illnesses are irremediable, though they may be grievous or unbearable. We recognize that people with mental illnesses can experience unbearable psychological suffering… but there is always the hope of recovery…people with a mental health problem or illness should be assisted to live and thrive”.

Source: thestar March 11, 2021 21:33 UTC