Canada Takes Historic Step in Mental Health Care by Legalizing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for People with Mental Illnesses

Trigger Warning: Discussion of Suicide and Mental Health

Note: This article contains discussions about suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, professional help is essential. Scroll to the bottom of the article for resources available in the U.S. and Canada for immediate assistance.

Note from the author: This is a complex subject for many to discuss, and I learned about MAiD and felt like I needed to know more. I have mixed feelings about assisted suicide since it can be so controversial. Still, I feel like this should be discussed since it does have many questioning morality vs. human rights and how we decide which is more appropriate in situations like these.

MAiD is already available for those needing palliative care in Canada. Still, they are now assessing it for people who struggle with mental illness and who have a desire to live no longer.

One thing I can take from this is that this could be harmful or beneficial, no matter which side you decide is correct, which makes this such a necessary discussion.

Introduction

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) has long been a subject of intense debate within healthcare and legislative circles in Canada. The country initially…