Two stories: Support Bill C-218. Oppose MAiD for mental illness.

The following true stories were sent to our EPC "Story Contest" by supporters who wish to share their personal experience in support of Bill C-218, a bill that would prevent euthanasia of people living with mental illness (as sole underlying medical condition)

Please visit our "contributor info" page (Link). "recent stories" (Link). and "story index" (Link). We would be thrilled to receive your story (whether fact or creative fiction) at: story@epcc.ca

All formats are welcome, including short videos.

On June 20, 2025 Tamara Jansen (MP) introduced Bill C-218 in the House of Commons to reverse the law which permits euthanasia for mental illness that is scheduled to begin on March 17, 2027 in Canada. (Article Link). 

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Supporting Bill C-218 - Opposing Euthanasia for mental illness.

By Patti

I battled severe suicidal bipolar depression and PTSD for most of my life.

I grew up in a severely abusive household. My first suicide attempt was at age 4. I deliberately rode my tricycle down a flight of cement stairs and fractured my skull.

Throughout the following decades, I tried many times to kill myself using various means. I also tried to drink myself to death. I was given many medications to treat my illness, but all I would do is overdose on them while drunk and end up in the hospital. I drank to escape the feelings of sadness, worthlessness and self hate. Finally I went to rehab for the alcohol, and had a mental breakdown while I was there. I was sent to a hospital where I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

After three rounds of electroshock therapy (ECT) I was still suicidal. I obsessed about dying and couldn't stop thinking about it and planning ways to kill myself that would work.

Several years ago I finally discovered by accident that a small dose of cannabis each day got rid of my depression. I'm still on low dose prescription medication to prevent bipolar mood swings.

I'm happy with my life now and I'm glad I didn't succeed in killing myself. I guarantee that if MAID had been available while I was obsessing about suicide, I'd have signed up for it. Now I am violently opposed to MAID, which is why I read articles on your website and share them on social media.

I hope this story will help to get Bill C-218 passed.

 

My Story (Mental Illness)

By Eric

In 2003, I was diagnosed as having schizophrenia.

The following year, I was having thoughts of suicide.

I am glad that there was no MAID for mental illness at that time for I might very well have chosen MAID.

I now live a contented life and have been helped tremendously by the teachings of Buddhism, which have greatly, if not completely, eliminated the symptoms of what I was diagnosed as having.

MAID for mental illness would, in my estimation, cause many unnecessary deaths and kill a lot of people who would otherwise have overcome their suicidal tendencies given enough time.

MAID for mental illness is, in my opinion, a grievous and very serious mistake which should NEVER become public policy in Canada.