in the australian study, the participants’ religious views were considered as well, but no consistent findings were reached regarding spirituality. some people thought there was no need for voluntary assisted suicide, while others thought the idea had merit despite their religion, gringart said.
people also viewed physical health problems as a more compelling reason to approve voluntary assisted death when compared to mental health problems. people’s level of connection, meaning, and enjoyment of life were also explored.
“participants talked about the importance of social connections, the interconnectedness of people, and gaining enjoyment from life,” gringart said. “once those are no longer a part of one’s lived experience, life may not be worth living. if those connections were lost in later life, people said those wanting to access vad should have the option.”
canada moves to expand medical assistance in dying [maid] legislation
canada is
set to approve
medical aid in dying for people with depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia, or ptsd, among other mental conditions. the change is scheduled to take place in march 2023.
“these changes to the criminal code now allow maid for eligible persons who wish to pursue a medically assisted death, whether their natural death is reasonably foreseeable or not,” a
release
from the federal government reads. “the new law will reduce unnecessary suffering in canada. it also supports greater autonomy and freedom of choice for eligible persons, and provides safeguards to protect those who may be vulnerable.”