Bill C-314 aims to amend the Criminal Code regarding medical assistance in dying (MAID). The central change proposed by the bill is to explicitly state that a mental disorder is not considered a grievous and irremediable medical condition for which a person can receive medical assistance in dying.
The bill's preamble expresses Parliament's concern for the mental health of Canadians. It emphasizes the importance of providing suicide prevention counseling to vulnerable individuals rather than offering MAID as a solution. The preamble also indicates a concern that allowing MAID for those with mental disorders could normalize assisted dying as a solution for mental health struggles.
The bill also includes coordinating amendments to address potential conflicts or overlaps with another Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), chapter 2 of the Statutes of Canada, 2021. These amendments specify how the proposed changes in Bill C-314 should be implemented in relation to the other Act, depending on which comes into force first or if they come into force on the same day.
In essence, Bill C-314 seeks to restrict access to medical assistance in dying for individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder, reflecting a parliamentary concern for mental health support and suicide prevention.
Crime
This bill amends the Criminal Code regarding medical assistance in dying (MAID). Specifically, it states that a mental disorder is not considered a qualifying condition for MAID. The bill aims to ensure that individuals with mental disorders receive suicide prevention counseling and mental health support, rather than being offered MAID.