Canada's Euthanasia Rates Rise as Lawmakers Push for Expansion to Mental Illnesses

Recent reports indicate that nearly 15,300 Canadians opted for assisted dying in 2022, a figure representing 4.7% of total deaths in the country. This marks a significant increase in euthanasia cases, although the annual growth rate has slowed to 16% from previous years’ averages of 31%. The data, released in the fifth annual report by Health Canada, introduces insights into the ethnicity and demographics of those who undergo assisted dying, highlighting a predominantly white demographic, despite questions about the disparity.

The 2022 report shows that around 96% of those seeking euthanasia had a foreseeable natural death, while the average age of participants was approximately 77 years. The questions raised regarding the rate of assisted dying have prompted Canadian lawmakers to consider extending eligibility to individuals with mental illnesses by 2027. As debates around the ethical implications of these expansions continue, critics have cited concerns regarding the system's existing safeguards. In light of evolving euthanasia laws in other countries and debates in the UK, Canada’s experience remains at the forefront of discussions about assisted dying legislation.

In Quebec, assisted dying accounted for nearly 37% of cases nationwide, leading to studies attempting to understand the high rates in that province. Although Canada's approach to euthanasia has drawn international attention, it continues to wrestle with maintaining robust safeguards in an increasingly complex dialogue concerning mental health and assisted dying eligibility.