Alberta Proposes New Restrictions on Medically Assisted Dying

Thu Mar 19 2026 02:45:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Alberta government introduces legislation to limit medically assisted dying to terminal illnesses, amidst ongoing debates on the ethics and safety of such practices across Canada.

Alberta has announced a proposed bill aiming to restrict medically assisted dying to cases of terminal illness, reinstating stricter criteria that could impact access for individuals living with severe mental health conditions. Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable populations. While some support the initiative for its protective measures, critics argue that it undermines patient autonomy and expands barriers for those seeking options at the end of their lives.

Alberta has proposed a bill that would limit the use of medically assisted dying - also known as voluntary euthanasia - in the Canadian province solely to end-of-life circumstances.

In 2021, Canada expanded access to medically assisted dying, known domestically by the acronym Maid, to people with serious, incurable illnesses or disabilities, even if their death is not reasonably foreseeable.

Canada is also due to expand access next year to people whose only medical condition is mental illness, though that has twice been delayed.

Alberta is the first jurisdiction in Canada to independently propose limits to the practice.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said during a news conference on Wednesday that Maid should only be an option for those with no hope of recovery.

This legislation strengthens safeguards and restores clear limits on eligibility to protect vulnerable Albertans facing mental illness or living with disabilities, she said. Those struggling with severe mental health challenges need treatment, compassion and support, not a path to end their life at what may be their lowest moment.

The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit doctors from unilaterally raising Maid with patients and banning its public advertising in healthcare facilities. It would also enshrine conscience protections for healthcare professionals and institutions.

While polls indicate there is broad support in Canada for medically assisted dying, there has been widespread debate about the programme's expansion and concerns over whether appropriate safeguards are in place.

Canada first legalised euthanasia in 2016 for people with terminal illnesses, before expanding it to people with serious and chronic physical conditions, following a court case in Quebec.

The Medically assisted deaths accounted for roughly 5% of deaths in Canada, according to federal government data.

In 2024, the vast majority – around 96% - had a death deemed reasonably foreseeable, due to severe medical conditions such as cancer.

Moira Wilson, president of Inclusion Canada, welcomed the proposed legislation in Alberta and urged other provinces to follow suit, emphasizing that it strengthens laws to protect vulnerable lives.

However, critics, including Helen Long from Dying with Dignity Canada, condemned the proposal as limiting patient autonomy and creating additional barriers for individuals who wish to choose medically assisted death.