Official data from the Canadian authorities shows that medically assisted deaths reached a record high in the country, accounting for one in 20 deaths. According to statistics released in December by Health Canada, about 4.7 per cent of Canadians who died in 2023 received MAID, or Medical Assistance in Dying. This is a 15.8 per cent increase compared to 2022. In other words, once you unlock the door to this, there’s no telling how wide it will open.
In Canada, the door is already wide open. But there are those who want it to be even more accessible to ever more vulnerable groups. Back in 2022, there was outrage when the Canadian parliament discussed whether the law should be changed to allow children as young as 14 to access assisted suicide. The Quebec College of Physicians went even further: making a statement in support of euthanasia for severely disabled newborn babies. In 2023, the Canadian government was forced to pause its plans to allow people with mental illnesses to access assisted suicide, following international and domestic criticism.
Right now, a bill to legalise assisted suicide in England and Wales is being examined by a committee of MPs. Those MPs have been hand-selected by the bill’s sponsor, Kim Leadbeater. The committee is stacked in favour of the bill’s supporters, and although it does include some opponents, other well-respected critics of the bill – including those with medical expertise – have been left out. But the Canadian situation shows us that no one should be playing politics with this vital matter.
There is all to play for. The longer this debate drags on, the more time there is for people to hear the arguments against assisted suicide. That’s when support for this bill melts away. And this is why the bill’s supporters are keen to get this done as quickly as possible. So we must continue to make the case against this proposed legislation. Carry on contacting your MPs, tell them what’s going on in Canada, and continue steadfastly in prayer.
Mike Judge
Mike Judge
