Euthanasia Prevention Coalition - February 27 Press Conference concerning euthanasia for mental illness.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Press Conference: Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: Parliamentary Press Gallery – Room 135B West Block

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC) is hosting a press conference on February 27 at 10 a.m. in the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Speakers will include human rights lawyer Garifalia Milousis, Montréal Family Physician, Dr. Paul Saba, Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the EPC and the Hon. Ed Fast, who sponsored Bill C-314, the mental health protection act that would have amended the law to prevent medical assistance in dying (MAID) for mental illness alone.

Garifalia Milousis

Bill C-62, the bill to postpone the establishment of MAID for mental illness alone, passed in the House of Commons and is being debated in the Senate. The EPC urges the Senate to pass Bill C-62 but it is our position that Canada’s MAID law must be amended to prevent MAID for mental illness alone.

Garifalia Milousis is a 27-year-old lawyer who has struggled with depression. After the passing of Bill C-7 in March 2021, which permitted MAID for mental illness alone, she decided to tell her story. Garifalia believes that unless you have experienced mental illness, you cannot understand how patronizing it is to hear people distinguish between MAID and suicidality.

Dr Paul Saba

Dr. Paul Saba will state (in French) that 90% of people who attempt a suicide and receive treatment do not want to die. Most psychiatrists do not support euthanasia (“MAID”) for mental illness because of their concern for their vulnerable patients. It is also impossible to decide whether a mental health condition is irremediable.

Following the press conference there will be a rally on Parliament Hill from 11 a.m. until 12 noon. There will be time to personally interview the rally speakers.

Participation in the question and answer portion of this event is in person or via Zoom, and is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca for temporary access.

Seuls les membres de la tribune parlementaire peuvent participer à la période de questions et réponses, qui aura lieu sur place et via Zoom. Les médias qui ne sont pas membres de la tribune parlementaire peuvent communiquer avec pressres2@parl.gc.ca pour obtenir l'accès temporaire.

Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
Contact: Alex Schadenberg at 519-851-1434 or email alex@epcc.ca