Review article

Medical assistance in dying and mental illness

Ivan Ćelić orcid.org/0000-0001-5135-0519 ; University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) includes euthanasia and assisted suicide. Both options raise important ethical, legal and social challenges about the right of an individual to autonomy in deciding about his/her own death. The legalization of MAiD in Canada in 2016 allowed terminally ill patients to die with dignity under certain conditions, while Bill C-7 of 2021 further expanded access to MAiD to those with a serious illness or disability and those with irreversible impairments but not immediately facing natural death. The extension of legislation to patients with mental illness as a criterion for implementing MAID has been delayed until 2027 to ensure additional safeguards and better support for patients. In addition to requiring that the health care system become prepared to end the suffering of the patients with mental illness by providing them with assistance in dying, lawmakers and health policymakers should be asked to build a health system that supports a better quality of life for patients with mental disorders, as well as their family members. It is necessary to emphasize the need to strengthen mental health systems and provide support to patients and their families, and to align legislative measures with public health priorities that promote the dignity, resilience and well-being of all those affected, while reducing stigma and improving the availability of necessary resources and services.

Keywords

mental illness; euthanasia; medical assistance in dying; assisted suicide

Hrčak ID:

327113

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/327113

Publication date:

20.1.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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