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| - Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
According to a popular magazine, Canada is killing autistic people without their consent. After a thorough fact check, we found out that the claim is false.
The Claim
A user on X posted, “We are in danger.” Alongwith a screenshot of a news article published in a magazine. As per the user, Canada is killing perfectly healthy autistic people through the MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying) program.
Fact Check
What is the MAID program in Canada?
In Canada, the MAID program lets terminally ill people (who are in a lot of pain and won’t get better) ask for medical help to die peacefully. To qualify, they must be adults who can decide for themselves and have a serious and lasting medical problem causing them great suffering. Doctors and nurses follow strict rules to make sure the person really wants euthanasia (intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering). They ensure the person is not being forced. Each province and territory in Canada manages how MAID works where they live.
Is Canada killing Autistic people without their consent?
No, the allegations are false. In Canada, those who are 18 years old or older (or younger if they are capable of making their own healthcare decisions), have the option to receive government assistance in ending their lives. It requires consulting multiple medical experts to ensure a person’s eligibility and prevent any misuse. However, individuals with specific mental conditions that impact their cognitive abilities are not qualified for the program.
The story is about a 27 year old woman who sought to end her life through the MAID program, but her father was against her decision and had asked the judge to rule against it. The judgement said that the father has no legal rights to take healthcare decisions on the behalf of his adult daughter. The post claims that a perfectly healthy autistic person can be killed by the Canadian government, which is false.
What is the eligibility criteria for MAID in Canada?
As of March 17, 2021, Canada’s law regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) does not necessitate a person’s natural death to be reasonably foreseeable for eligibility. Those seeking MAID must now meet specific criteria ー individuals must be 18 years or older, possess decision-making capacity, and be eligible for public health care services. The request for MAID must be voluntary and free from external influence, with informed consent given after receiving all necessary information. They must have a severe, incurable illness, disease, or disability (excluding mental illness until March 17, 2024). Plus, they must be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability. Lastly, they must be enduring unbearable physical or psychological suffering that is impossible to relieve under acceptable conditions. This amendment expands access to MAID to a broader range of individuals experiencing severe suffering due to their medical condition.
What is euthanasia and why do some individuals choose this option?
Euthanasia, a Greek derived word which literally means “a good death”, is the act of intentionally ending someone’s life to eliminate their pain and suffering, arising due to a terminal illness. There are primarily two types: voluntary euthanasia, where the individual requests it themselves. And, non-voluntary euthanasia, which does not need the explicit consent of the person, often because they are unable to communicate their wishes.
People may choose euthanasia for various reasons:
- Terminal Illness: Some individuals facing a terminal illness may choose euthanasia to avoid long-term suffering and maintain control over the end of their life.
- Unbearable Pain: Chronic pain that is not possible to manage through conventional treatments may lead individuals to seek euthanasia as a means to put a stop to their suffering.
- Loss of Dignity: For some, the loss of autonomy, dignity, and quality of life due to illness or disability may make them consider euthanasia as a way to maintain their dignity and avoid further deterioration.
- Quality of Life: When a person’s quality of life is significantly reduced, and they have absolutely no hope for improvement. In this case, they see euthanasia as a humane option to end their pain and agony.
- Personal Beliefs: Some individuals have deeply held beliefs about autonomy and the right to control one’s own death. This often leads them to choose euthanasia as a way to exercise that autonomy.
Euthanasia is a controversial and ethically complex issue, with various legal, cultural, religious, and moral considerations. Some argue for its legalisation as a compassionate end-of-life option. But, others raise concerns about likely abuses and the sanctity of life. In the Indian (and Southeast Asian) context, doctors still have conservations about the concept of Euthanasia and Physician-assisted Suicide, and we have a long way to go for a concrete decision.
What is the difference between Euthanasia and Physician-assisted Suicide?
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are both end-of-life options aimed at relieving suffering, but they differ in who performs the final act. In euthanasia, a healthcare provider administers a lethal dose of medication to the patient at the patient’s request. The patient may be incapacitated and unable to administer the medication themselves. On the other hand, in physician-assisted suicide, the patient self-administers a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a physician. The physician provides the means or prescription, but the patient ultimately takes the medication themselves. This difference in who administers the lethal dose distinguishes euthanasia from physician-assisted suicide.
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