Euthanasia Rates Surge in Canada, Now Representing 4.7% of All Deaths

Canada’s annual report on assisted dying indicates that 15,300 people opted for euthanasia last year, reflecting a 16% increase. The report also unveils concerning ethnic disparities and highlights ongoing debates regarding potential expansions of euthanasia laws to include individuals with mental illnesses.

Canada's fifth annual report on medical assistance in dying (MAID), commonly known as euthanasia, has revealed that nearly 4.7% of all deaths in the country last year involved assisted dying, with a total of approximately 15,300 cases. Although this represents a 16% increase from the previous year, it marks a decrease from the average growth rate of 31% seen in past years. The report, recently released by Health Canada, is the first to provide detailed data on the ethnic backgrounds of individuals seeking euthanasia.

As Canadian lawmakers consider broadening access to euthanasia for those with mental health issues by the year 2027, the country remains one of the few globally to have instituted such laws. The latest statistics demonstrate that 96% of individuals who chose assisted dying had a foreseeable natural death, while the remaining 4% suffered from long-term chronic conditions without imminent death.

The average age of people requesting euthanasia was around 77 years, with cancer being the leading medical condition cited. Remarkably, the report highlighted racial disparities, noting that approximately 96% of those who received assisted dying identified as white, despite white individuals comprising about 70% of Canada's population. East Asians, who represent 5.7% of Canadians, constituted only 1.8% of those undergoing assisted dying.

Quebec was reported to have the highest utilization rate for euthanasia, accounting for 37% of the cases even though the province holds only 22% of Canada's total population. Earlier this year, Quebec's government initiated a study to investigate the reasons behind its high rate of euthanasia.

While Canada is advancing its euthanasia programs, it still trails the Netherlands, where assisted dying accounts for approximately 5% of total deaths. In the UK, recent legislation to permit similar practices for terminally ill adults is currently under review, with Canada often cited as a cautionary example due to potential safety concerns.

Initially, Canada restricted euthanasia to cases where death appeared “reasonably foreseeable.” However, the criteria were expanded in 2021 to include individuals with chronic conditions seeking to end their lives. The anticipated inclusion of those suffering from mental illnesses has faced delays due to concerns about healthcare capacity from provincial governments.

Critics, such as the Christian think tank Cardus, expressed alarm over the rapid rate of euthanasia growth in Canada. Recent reports in Ontario have shed light on controversial assisted dying cases, including instances where individuals without imminent natural deaths were granted euthanasia due to extreme conditions, emphasizing the urgency for further discussions and potential reforms. As Canada navigates the complexities of euthanasia legislation, ongoing debates about its implications for vulnerable populations remain crucial.