This section of the bill introduces a five-year pause on allowing access to medical assistance in dying (MAID) for individuals whose only condition is a mental illness. It requires a review by a Joint Committee of Parliament on this matter, which must occur within two years and lead to potential changes in the law.
Individuals with severe mental illnesses may feel impacted by this moratorium as they could be denied the option of MAID. Mental health advocates may be concerned about the implications for those experiencing unbearable suffering. Health care providers may also face challenges in navigating eligibility and care options during this period of uncertainty.
The government will incur costs associated with the Joint Committee's review, including staffing, administrative expenses, and potentially additional funding for mental health services as discussions unfold. Some argue that funds used for this review process could be better spent on improving mental health services and support systems, which are in high demand.
Supporters believe that this moratorium is crucial for protecting individuals with mental health conditions from potential exploitation or poorly informed decisions regarding MAID. They argue that it ensures a thorough evaluation and understanding of mental illness before making policies that could have life-altering consequences.
Critics argue that the moratorium undermines individual autonomy, denying those suffering from severe mental illness the right to choose for themselves. They contend that the review process could be a misuse of resources that might be better allocated to directly improving mental health care. Additionally, the uncertainty about eligibility may lead to distress for patients and healthcare providers alike.
That the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word “That” and substituting the following: “the House decline to give second reading to Bill C-62, An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), No. 2, as no clause addresses the call for the Government of Canada, adopted unanimously by the Quebec National Assembly, to amend the Criminal Code to align with the Quebec legislation on end-of-life care by allowing advance consent requests.”.
That the bill be now read a second time and referred to a committee of the whole.
That the bill be now read a third time and do pass.
That this question be now put.