Time is ticking for government to decide on expanding medically assisted dying – CBC

Opponents to expansion express concern it will open door to abuse and coercion

Jan 09, 2024

John Scully wants to know that a medically assisted death would be an option for him, should he want one.

The former war correspondent suffers from severe mental illness, a mix of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.

He is speaking out again as the Liberals face a looming decision about whether to proceed with an expansion of medically assisted dying currently set to take effect in March.

Medical assistance in dying has been legal in Canada since 2016. In 2021, Parliament approved expanding the eligibility criteria to include those with a mental disorder as their sole underlying condition.

That change was to come into effect in March 2023, but just before it did, the Liberal government paused it for another year in the face of widespread concerns over possible consequences.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/expansion-maid-decison-looms-1.7078358