Executive Director,
Euthanasia Prevention Coalition
An EPC supporter sent us this letter titled: I really do want to live. She then urges everyone to support Bill C-218, a bill that will prevent euthanasia for mental illness alone in Canada.
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).
Sign our EPC petition supporting Bill C-218: No MAiD for Mental Illness (Link).
She asked that we not publish her name. Here is her story:
I remember my struggle with suicide as beginning when I was 16 years old. At my first attempt I was taken as a minor with mental illness according to my parent’s wishes. Canada is currently considering MAiD for mental illness. Now if I were to attempt suicide as an adult with no parents to advocate for me, who will convince the medical staff that intervention is necessary to save my life? How will they know that I really do want to live?!
After I went out on my own, I was again in the hospital for suicidal intent. “Borderline Personality Disorder” was the first mental illness diagnosed; “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” was added later. I had the hallmark symptoms of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
When I was 21, I was suicidal and was hospitalized for eight months. The cycle of in-again and out-again hospitalizations had begun. The length of time I spent in hospital each time decreased as policies changed.
Many years and many admissions later, I was taken to hospital for suicidal intent and found myself in the psychiatric section of the emergency department. There were four of us patients in that section but only three beds available on the psychiatric inpatient unit. I overhead the nurse’s discussion, “Well, three say they need help and the fourth doesn’t.” I knew I was the fourth they referred to. “We know she needs help, but—we’ll have to send her home.” Half of me was relieved because I didn’t like being in hospital but the other half of me was very scared, worried that I would soon again attempt suicide and succeed.
During COVID-19 lockdowns, I had a phone appointment with my family doctor. When he inquired how I was, I told him honestly that I was considering killing myself and how I would do it. He told me that he would send an ambulance. Immediately after hanging up, I left my apartment and stayed away to avoid contact with emergency services. I returned home after dark. Frustrated that I had not yet had enough nerve to fatally harm myself, I slashed at my neck until it was bleeding steadily. Not knowing and not caring whether I would live or die, I laid down to sleep in my bed. But it wasn’t long before the police came knocking. They forced open the door and took me by ambulance to hospital. I had very nearly missed cutting a major artery and lost a lot of blood.
Over the years, there have been a number of suicide attempts, some nearly successful, and much suicidal ideation (i.e. thoughts of suicide). With such a history, some might wonder if I want to live. But after much counseling and help, I am now at the point that I can say emphatically, “Yes! I really do want to live!”I have been through a long season of suffering but have come out the other side and am able to report that I genuinely enjoy life. If, in the middle of my trials, when I seemed bent on destroying myself, the medical staff had decided to grant me what was apparently my desire and give me MAiD—I would not be here now (of course).I am living proof that mental illness need not be fatal, there is hope! I really do want to live!
[C. R. S.]
Sign our EPC petition supporting Bill C-218: No MAiD for Mental Illness (Link).
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