In a startling revelation about one of society’s most debated ethical issues, the Canadian government has released its latest annual report detailing a sharp increase in the number of deaths by euthanasia, known formally as “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAID).
According to this new report, 13,241 Canadians chose to end their lives through MAID in 2022, representing a notable 4.1% of all deaths in the country for that year.
This number marks a substantial “growth rate of 31.2%” compared to the year prior. Since the legalization of MAID in 2016, the country has seen a total of 44,958 deaths under this provision.
The report sheds light on the profile of those who have opted for MAID. To be eligible for the procedure, individuals must be at least 18 years old and suffering from a serious, incurable illness or disability.
Breaking down the numbers by gender, the report found that slightly more men (51.4%) than women (48.6%) chose MAID in 2022, a trend consistent with data from the past few years. Moreover, the average age of people choosing MAID has been creeping upward, reaching 77 years old in 2022.
RELATED: Canadian ‘Transsexual’ Requests Assisted Suicide Due to Post-Operation Pain and Suffering
Medical conditions leading people to opt for MAID were also detailed in the report. Cancer was the most common reason, cited in 63% of MAID cases, though this number is down from a high of 69.1% in 2020.
Other frequent conditions cited include cardiovascular diseases (18.8%), respiratory issues (13.2%), and neurological problems (12.6%).
When asked why they chose to end their lives, a large majority, over 80%, pointed to the loss of the ability to perform “meaningful activities” and everyday tasks. Nearly 60% cited concerns about managing pain.
As MAID becomes an increasingly prevalent choice among Canadians dealing with serious and terminal conditions, concerns are emerging about the societal implications.
Conservative Member of Parliament Ed Fast articulated these fears in an interview with The Toronto Star, asking, “Have we gone too far and too fast with Canada’s assisted suicide program? Will we evolve into a culture of death as the preferred option for those who suffer from mental illness or will we choose life?”
Health officials from the Canadian government have yet to comment on these unsettling trends and the concerns they raise. Whether this considerable uptick in MAID cases will spark further national discussion or lead to any changes in the current legislation is still uncertain.
What is clear is that the report has touched a nerve, laying the groundwork for what could become a pivotal debate on the ethics and limits of assisted dying in Canada.
WE STAND WITH ISRAEL: CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO HELP
