Summary
Euthanasia accounted for 4.7% of deaths in Canada in 2023, with 15,300 people opting for assisted dying—a 16% increase, though slower than prior years.
Most recipients had terminal illnesses, primarily cancer, and 96% were white, sparking questions about disparities.
Quebec, at 37% of cases, remains Canada’s euthanasia hotspot.
Since legalizing assisted dying in 2016, Canada has expanded access, now covering chronic conditions and planning to include mental illnesses by 2027.
Critics, citing rapid growth and controversial cases, warn of insufficient safeguards, while proponents highlight strict eligibility criteria. Debate continues globally.
I’m surprised it’s that many, but it’s people who are allowed to die with dignity, and released from a life of pain.
I hate we don’t have that right here in Denmark.
Not that surprising given how big our aging boomer demographic is. This was my father two years ago who had fought a year long battle with cancer before deciding to go with MAID. He was already hospitalized in palliative care and it may have only saved him a day or two more of suffering. In fact after how rough his final night was, I wish he had been able to let go a day earlier.
At least in Canada people can choose euthanasia because they are in pain rather than because they’re bankrupting their family
I would be curious how this affects the suicide statistics.
That is the neat part, it does not!
so 4500 “suicides” vs the articles above 15,300 people. I don’t think 15,300 is a subset of 4500.
I think they mean in the concept of someone who would now qualify for MAID who otherwise might have chosen suicide. Or at least that’s how I took it- MAID could actually decrease suicides by offering an alternate solution to those without quality of life or hopes of improving.
It’s ridiculous that there is a prerequisite of terminal illness
There’s a huge push from the right that this is unethical to offer it in the first place and that soon we are just going to let people euthanize themselves instead of “treating” them. I mean, i don’t want people to do this either, but who are we to force a choice onto someone?
Yep - “unethical” to let people die without suffering and passing on financial ruin to loved ones, but “ethical” to kill criminals for their misdeeds. That’s superb logic from the right.
I don’t disagree with you, but I think you’re thinking US not Canada. Death penalty is not Canadian. I don’t think? And health cares free (not to say there’s not other costs associated).
They love to control you. And if people had a super easy way to check out, they would lose a lot of their workforce.
I think that there needs to be better mental health services, and that doesn’t just mean throw pills their way and be done. We need to help these people, and if they find that nothing else will stop them from wanting to move on, then let them do it peacefully, instead of the more gruesome methods
One step at the time.
Making euthanasia legal for people with terminal illness is already hard enough and I’m glad it is now possible in a lot of countries.
There were issues early on and people who shouldn’t have been offered the option, got offered the option.
I mean, anyone who wants the option should have the option. The requirement should be to make an appointment.
Quebec has 9 million divided by Canada’s 41 = 22% by population.
