Is MAID a Demand for Death or a Cry for Help?

Expanding MAID to people with mental illness risked making death seem like their only option when care and support are hard to access.

Is MAID a Demand for Death or a Cry for Help?

TL;DR

  • The federal government will not expand MAID to individuals whose sole medical condition is mental illness.
  • Legislation will be introduced this fall to permanently exclude this group from MAID.
  • The current exclusion is set to expire on March 17, 2027, but will be maintained until new legislation is passed.
  • The debate continues regarding whether MAID requests stem from a desire to die or a need for help to live.
  • Society makes it easier to help people die than to help them live.