Canada refuses euthanasia only for mental illness: parliamentary recommendation

A parliamentary committee of Canada has recommended that the government indefinitely exclude mental disorders as the sole basis for medical assistance in dying (MAID). The decision could delay or cancel an expansion of the euthanasia program planned for March 2027 amid growing controversy over the protection of vulnerable populations.

In Canada, one of the countries with the most liberal rules for medical assistance in dying, an important turn has occurred, xrust states. On 17 June 2026, a parliamentary select committee published a report recommending that the government do not allow euthanasia solely on the basis of mental illness . This concerns the MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) program, the official name for Canada's system of euthanasia and physician-supervised assisted suicide.

The Committee concluded that it is currently impossible to ensure the “safe and fair” implementation of such practices in the country. The main reason is the difficulty in determining the “incurability” of mental disorders. Unlike serious cancer or neurological diseases, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD or schizophrenia are often treatable, although they require time and resources. It is extremely difficult to predict whether a patient will recover.

History of the euthanasia program in Canada

Euthanasia in Canada was legalized in 2016 for patients with terminal (incurable and leading to imminent death) diseases. In 2021, the law was significantly expanded so that people with serious but not necessarily fatal conditions could request the procedure if they caused “intolerable suffering.”

It was planned that from March 2024 (the deadline was later moved to 2027) mental illness will also become a sufficient basis for MAID. However, repeated postponements and new hearings showed serious problems. According to various sources, more than 100 thousand euthanasia procedures have already been carried out in Canada since the launch of the program. In 2024, MAID accounted for about 5% of all deaths in the country.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser said the government would study the report in the coming weeks and make a decision. Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously stressed the importance of taking an «informed stance» on the issue.

Why this is important: risks and public opinion

Experts such as Trudo Lemmens, a health law professor at the University of Toronto, support the committee's recommendation. He notes that it is impossible to reliably determine whether a mental condition is “irreversible,” which means it is difficult to meet a key test of the law.

An Angus Reid poll found that about 80% of Canadians support euthanasia for terminal illnesses, but only 43% support euthanasia when it comes solely to mental health problems. Causes of concern include cases where people sought the procedure because of poverty, homelessness or a lack of adequate social support, rather than just medical reasons.

Lawsuits are already underway in Canada. Disability rights groups say the expansion of the program discriminates against vulnerable people and could create pressure on them. On the other hand, organizations like Dying With Dignity advocate for greater access as a matter of autonomy and human rights.

Realities for Russians: how it works and why it is controversial

It is important for the Russian reader to understand: in Canada, euthanasia is not “just an injection at will.” Requires confirmation from several doctors, voluntary informed consent, and no external pressure. However, critics point to a “slippery slope” when social problems (high cost of housing, lack of mental health care) begin to replace medical indications.

In Russia, euthanasia is prohibited by law. Discussion of Canadian experience is relevant in the context of the development of palliative care, psychiatric services and ethical issues in medicine. Many Russian experts (including from the Russian Orthodox Church and the medical community) emphasize the value of life and the need to improve the quality of care for seriously ill and mentally ill people, rather than offering death as a solution.

What's next?

The Canadian government has not yet announced a final decision. If the recommendation is adopted, mental illness will remain excluded from the list of grounds for MAID indefinitely. This could set a precedent for reviewing other aspects of the program.

The news caused a wide resonance in the world media. In countries where euthanasia for mental reasons is already permitted (Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain), the practice also remains controversial. Canada, which had a reputation as one of the most progressive countries on this issue, is now taking a step back towards greater caution.

Updated 06/20/2026

class=»notranslate»>__GTAG7__ As of June 20, 2026, the news has not yet received further development. A Parliamentary Committee of Canada on June 17 issued a recommendation to indefinitely delay or eliminate the possibility of euthanasia solely due to mental illness under the MAID program.

The government said it would carefully study the committee's report. An official response from the Cabinet of Ministers is expected by July 11, 2026 . At this time, no legislative changes have been made and mental health procedures remain on hold.

The news is being actively discussed in Canadian and international media. Disability and mental health advocacy organizations welcomed the recommendation, while advocates for expanding the MAID program expressed disappointment. The government's next steps will be announced in the coming weeks.

From the pages of https://www.reuters.com

Xrust Canada refuses euthanasia only for mental illness: parliamentary recommendation