Summary

Euthanasia accounted for 4.7% of deaths in Canada in 2023, with 15,300 people opting for assisted dying—a 16% increase, though slower than prior years.

Most recipients had terminal illnesses, primarily cancer, and 96% were white, sparking questions about disparities.

Quebec, at 37% of cases, remains Canada’s euthanasia hotspot.

Since legalizing assisted dying in 2016, Canada has expanded access, now covering chronic conditions and planning to include mental illnesses by 2027.

Critics, citing rapid growth and controversial cases, warn of insufficient safeguards, while proponents highlight strict eligibility criteria. Debate continues globally.

    • @[email protected]
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      33 hours ago

      There’s a huge push from the right that this is unethical to offer it in the first place and that soon we are just going to let people euthanize themselves instead of “treating” them. I mean, i don’t want people to do this either, but who are we to force a choice onto someone?

      • @[email protected]
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        346 minutes ago

        Yep - “unethical” to let people die without suffering and passing on financial ruin to loved ones, but “ethical” to kill criminals for their misdeeds. That’s superb logic from the right.

      • @[email protected]
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        -12 hours ago

        They love to control you. And if people had a super easy way to check out, they would lose a lot of their workforce.

        • @[email protected]
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          42 hours ago

          I think that there needs to be better mental health services, and that doesn’t just mean throw pills their way and be done. We need to help these people, and if they find that nothing else will stop them from wanting to move on, then let them do it peacefully, instead of the more gruesome methods

    • @[email protected]
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      57 hours ago

      There were issues early on and people who shouldn’t have been offered the option, got offered the option.

      • @[email protected]
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        137 hours ago

        I mean, anyone who wants the option should have the option. The requirement should be to make an appointment.

        • @[email protected]
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          46 hours ago

          No argument against that.

          The problem was (as I understand it) the doctor didn’t read the room and it was received poorly.