The Future of Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for the Mentally Ill and Physically Disabled

Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law continues to be a dividing issue. While it has been decided that only a few qualifying Canadians suffering from severe conditions may request assistance in dying, barriers currently in place may inevitably be lifted as legal challenges are brought against Bill C-14 for potential discrimination towards parties excluded from qualifying under the billâ s eligibility criteria. There is a potential of using the Charter as a force to expand assisted dying which may likely have negative implications on two of the most vulnerable groups in society, those living with a mental illness or physical disability. Studies on controversial practices emerging within the most liberal assisted dying regimes in Europe, Belgium and the Netherlands, may inform Canadian lawmakers on issues to avoid when possibly enacting a broader legalized practice in the near future.LL.M