People with mental healthcare needs are valuable. Vote Yes on Bill C-314.

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition supports Bill C-314 and we urge our supporters to contact their Members of Parliament to support Bill C-314. This is important as several Liberal and NDP MP's have indicated that they plan or want to support Bill C-314. Contact your Member of Parliament (MP Contact Link) 

Open Letter to MPs: Vote Yes for Bill C314: Stop MAID for Canadians with only Mental Health Challenges

Dr Paul Saba

Bill C-7 came into effect on March 17, 2021 and will allow people with only a mental disorder to be euthanized as of March 17, 2024. This, despite the overwhelming evidence that people with mental disorders can be treated, and that most psychiatrists cannot determine which patient has an irremediable (irreversible and treatable) condition. (Link to the study).

According to Montreal lawyer, Natalia Manole, from a legal standpoint, those with mental disorders requesting medical assistance in dying (MAID), do not meet the condition of free and informed consent. “So how can we legalize medical aid in dying for people with mental illness, knowing that the desire to die is in most cases a symptom of mental illness? In other words, consent would be vitiated in most cases." (Commission spéciale sur l'évolution de la Loi concernant les soins de fin de vie, August 19, 2021).” (Link to the Commission report).

Bill C-314 which will be voted on October 18 in Ottawa, will prevent euthanasia (MAID) for people with mental health disorders as the sole criterion.

Some mental health disorders include: generalized anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, autism, and schizophrenia.

• In most cases, the desire to die is a symptom of mental illness. (Link to the study).
• 90% of people who end their lives were affected by a mental disorder at the time of their suicide.
• Most people who have attempted or completed suicide don’t want to die; rather, they want to escape their emotional distress (Link to the information). 
• According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, 9 out of 10 people who attempted suicide but were unsuccessful in their attempt, did not commit suicide following treatment. With the right treatment, suicide disappeared. (Link to the Harvard study).
• Most people with mental disorders need the evaluation and support of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Many live in precarious financial and social situations. They need financial support, including affordable, housing, and food security.
• The Canadian social and healthcare system is deficient for people with mental health problems.
• In Quebec, the average waiting time between referral to a psychiatrist and treatment is 5 months.
• Psychologists are in short supply and rarely accessible in the public system.

It is time for Members of Parliament to stand in solidarity and support people with mental health disorders. They need care, treatment and support. They must not be euthanized (MAID). Parliamentarians must stop MAID for those with mental disorders.

Vote yes on Bill C-314.

People with mental healthcare challenges are valuable.

For more information:
Dr. Paul Saba
514-886-3447
pauljsaba@gmail.com